HELENA — "Legislative Week," an experiment on getting state lawmakers together during a year where they do not have a regular session, kicked off this morning at the Capitol in Helena.
Things began today with several committee meetings, including some detailed discussions of property taxes.
The Legislative Audit Committee also is scheduled to take up a controversial Medicaid audit that the Bullock administration says is holding up 80-million-dollars in construction bonds.
Another item on the agenda is a study on whether the Legislature should meet regularly each year instead of just 90 days every two years.
Most of all, lawmakers say they hope to get re-acquainted with their colleagues, who they usually see just every other year and, together learn more about the status of major issues confronting the state.
“What we get out of it is keeping our relationships and our knowledge and our experience as up to date as possible by doing these things and getting together, so that we can talk about ... updates on the budget, revenue picture and key issues of the day in the state of Montana,” said Montana Senator Fred Thomas.
Attendance for the week is voluntary for legislators although a majority of the 150 members is expected to attend.
