Governor Schweitzer Outlines 2006 Priorities
2/15/2006
Sarah Elliott
406-444-9725
selliott@mt.gov
The goals work toward Governor Schweitzer’s vision of strengthening Montana families by creating good jobs so future generations can stay in Montana, continuing to build our education system so we are training young folks and retraining adults for the jobs that are created and providing quality affordable healthcare to Montana families.
Expanding and preserving access to Montana’s lands for hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts is also a priority. “Our access rights are a huge part of what makes living in Montana so special,” said Governor Schweitzer.
“Montana is the best place to start a business, raise a family and build a community. I have been to all 56 counties, and across the state I have listened when folks have said to me they want opportunities for their communities and their children.”
Economy and Jobs
“Good, high-paying jobs are critical to Montana’s future. By bringing new business and expanding existing businesses in the state we provide jobs that will help our kids have the opportunity to stay, and work in Montana,” said Governor Schweitzer.
In 2005 over 1,700 jobs were created or retained through state government assistance. The Schweitzer Administration wants to continue to grow the economy for all of Montana.
- Already this year the state received a $15 million grant to spur the evolution of Montana’s workforce by jump-starting innovative biodiesel, biolubricant and bioproduct industries in central and eastern Montana.
- While we expect the Montana economy will grow by thousands of jobs, we expect the state and its programs to be involved in creating or retaining at least 1,000 jobs in 2006.
- Governor Schweitzer in 2005 joined with the Montana Ambassadors in creating out-of-state chapters to promote Montana to outside business interests and assist in business recruiting efforts. Governor Schweitzer hopes to work with the Montana Ambassadors to create more new chapters this year including chapters in Denver and Spokane.
- The Rail Service Competition Council will work to enhance rail competition to help Montana shippers.
- Continue to seek broad range economic development in the most economically depressed parts of our state, including rural counties and our reservations to build financial security for Montana’s least and last.
Energy
"I have a passion for energy. My administration is continuing to work on energy policy that protects the citizens and ratepayers of Montana, protects our environment, while further strengthening our economy,” said Governor Schweitzer.
2005 brought many exciting new energy developments for the State of Montana. A large (and one smaller) wind farm project came online, renewable energy portfolio standards and ethanol legislation passed the legislature, and the state had a very successful energy conference.
Governor Schweitzer has been working hard to promote renewable energy development in Montana and also to promote clean coal development including the development of a coal-to-liquids facility as a bridge from the petroleum economy to new sustainable energy and as an important step in reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
- Governor Schweitzer will seek a commitment from industry for a coal-to-liquids and/or a coal gasification plant.
- The Governor will also work for a financial commitment for several addition wind farms in Montana of various sizes.
- Governor Schweitzer will assist the development of transmission capabilities to better enable power export to larger markets and finalize the plans for the Alberta Tie which will foster private construction of wind generation in the Golden Triangle.
- Continue to grow oil and gas production.
- Increase production and use of biodiesel.
- Governor Schweitzer will continue the Warm Hearts Warm Homes program.
Education
“Education is the great equalizer,” said Governor Schweitzer. “It is also the cornerstone to a strong economy. I am committed to continuing to build our education system that helps fulfill the hopes and dreams of grandparents, parents and kids.”
In the 2005 legislative session $88 million of new funding was allocated to K-12 education. The Governor put forward a proposal in a special session in December of 2005 that boosted the total ongoing funding by about another $37 million per year, bringing the total new ongoing revenue for K-12 education to nearly $125 million.
Governor Schweitzer and the 2005 legislature upheld Montana’s constitutional and moral obligation to Indian Education for All by providing funding to build a framework and implement in K-12 schools.
Governor Schweitzer also improved access and affordability for students to attend one of Montana’s great colleges. He created the Governor’s Postsecondary Scholarship, one of the largest single sources of new state-sponsored financial aid. In 2006 the Governor will:
- Host a Governor’s School Readiness Summit in June to build a stronger and accountable early childhood state-wide system.
- Launch a Governor and First Lady’s K-12 science and math initiative, commencing with geological road signage across Montana. The initiative will help spark an interest in science and nurture a generation that will be globally competitive.
- Team up with other Governors and leaders from across the country to begin a public relations campaign for the Competitiveness Council whose goals include benchmarking U.S. competitiveness and supporting national and regional innovation.
Affordable, Accessible Healthcare
In the 2005 legislative session bills were passed to fully fund the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), to give a meaningful prescription drug benefit to thousands of the most vulnerable Montanans and to provide health insurance to small businesses through pooling and tax credits.
- Governor Schweitzer is committed to helping get 2,000 more Montana kids on the CHIP program (currently there are about 12,000). Governor Schweitzer and First Lady Nancy Schweitzer appear in a new public service announcement encouraging families to apply.
- Governor Schweitzer will continue to work on the Insure Montana program which provides health insurance to Montana’s small businesses through pooling and tax credits. There are currently about 400 business (nearly 2,000 people) participating in the new program.
- The administration will continue its commitment to tobacco prevention and other prevention activities.
- Identify opportunities to address healthcare workforce shortages and improved access.
Ethics
“Special interests should not have special access to government at the expense of ordinary citizens,” said Governor Schweitzer. “The purpose of government is to serve society and all people rather than the interests of the select or moneyed few.”
Governor Schweitzer believes in holding elected officials to high standards. The Governor supports a ballot initiative that stops the revolving door between public officials and lobbyists.
Efficiency
Governor Schweitzer will continue to look for ways to make government more efficient and customer friendly.
Governor Schweitzer has already implemented the state employee awards for good ideas, a number of new web-based services and asked for reduced travel by state employees as well as state employee car pooling. The Governor also reformed the state Workforce Investment Board resulting in over a million dollars reduction in overhead that now goes to Montana worker training.
- The administration will continue to examine all aspects of state government and find ways to make the taxpayers money go further.
- The Governor will also recognize and reward the State of Montana’s conservation strategies in new building design projects and maintenance.
By the end of the week, the Governor’s Office will have met with nearly every agency to begin preparing the executive budget for the next legislative session. “It is important to be prepared,” added Governor Schweitzer. “By focusing on many of my goals this year, we will be able to go into the next legislative session knowing what more needs to get done for Montana. Working together, we will move Montana forward.”
The Governor also emphasized the importance of his open door policy. “We need all Montanans to give us their ideas and participate in government.”
