HomeMy WebLinkAboutSenator Jon Tester - TSEPSENATOR JON TESTER
SENATE PRESIDENT
SENATE DISTRICT 15
March 14, 2005
Kenneth Olsen, Jr
PO Box 10
Laurel, MT 59044
Dear Mr. Olsen, Jr,
MONTANA SENATE
PO BOX 200500
HELENA, MONTANA 59620-0500
PHONE: (406) 444-4800
Public facilities like bridges, sewers, and wastewater treatment plants lay the groundwork for
economic development and livable communities across Montana. Oftentimes, the cost of
building these critical projects is out of reach for our cities and towns. Since 1992, the Treasure
State Endowment Program has provided a stable funding source to help communities fund these
projects.
Since its inception, the Treasure State Endowment Program has been a real success story. Thc
state has helped along 155 community projects by providing $58 million in state funds to
leverage another $220 million in other funding--a more than 3:1 retum on the state's
investment.
The endowment will continue to grow for another 11 years until it tops out at an estimated $200
million. Each year, it will produce an estimated $12 million for local improvements as long as
the Treasure State Endowment Program is protected.
This year, some Republican legislators insist that state spending imposed by voter-approved
initiatives and court decisions needs to fall under a "spending cap" passed in 1981. This
interpretation may put the Treasure State Endowment Program and many other important state
entitlements in jeopardy.
The Treasure State Endowment Program and other important state programs are too important
for political games.
The Schweitzer administration and Democrats in the House and Senate strongly support the
Treasure State Endowment Program. Democrats sponsored the referendum to authorize the
program at the 1991 legislative session, and a majority of voters supported the effort, despite
strong Republican opposition.
709 SON LANE · BIG SANDY, MONTANA 59520 · (406) 378-3182
As an entity that is eligible for infmstxuctare funding from the Treasure State Endowment
Program, you have an important voice in our process. Folks like you should encourage the
legislature to respect the wishes of the voters and the courts. Voter-approved and court-
mandated spending is not discretionary and must be considered outside the spending cap.
The strong partnership between local and state government will continue with flexibility in the
*'spending cap" for court-ordered and voter-approved spending. Please contact your local
legislators and tell them to respect the needs of Montana communities and the voters' wishes.
I look forward to working with you in the future.
Sincerely,
Senator Jori Tester
Senate President