News Release
Governor Martz Commends Legislature For Fiscal Responsibility
8/11/2002
Mary Schwarz
406-444-5523
mschwarz@state.mt.us
"What we saw this week is a true testament to strong leadership and fiscal responsibility. These are challenging economic times in Montana and across the nation. I commend the legislature for making the tough decisions to balance our state's budget, and for completing this difficult task in a timely manner."
In her comments, Martz also commended the legislature for restoring funding for key economic development programs, an important component of the Administration's plan long-term economic growth. Legislators had proposed to reduce funding for those programs early in the special session.
"The state must invest in long-term solutions to the budget issues facing the state, rather than implementing short-term tax fixes," said Governor Martz. "Increasing taxes and eliminating economic development is the exact opposite of a fiscally responsible approach. We will continue to work with the private sector to create jobs with better pay."
Martz noted that Montanans should be incredibly proud of their elected officials for making the tough choices, much like the choices families and businesses must make when times are tough.
"Montanans know that they can't budget for their family or business by counting on increased revenues in tough times. The same holds true for government. Tax increases are just not the way to balance our budget. We are already 46th in the nation in per capita income. The legislature rightly chose not to balance the budget on the backs of hard working Montana citizens."
Strong legislative leadership will be key as state government moves into the next regular session, Martz said.
"What we've seen in terms of the economy tells us that these reductions are only the tip of the iceberg," said Governor Martz. "I appreciate the foresight of the legislature for taking a disciplined and long-term approach now in preparation for what is anticipated to be an even more difficult regular session. Innovative ideas will be crucial to make state government more effective and I look forward to discussing those ideas with the legislature as we move into the next session. Together, we can work through this economic downturn and in the process, build a better future for Montana families."
(see attached speaking points)
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Special Session Close
Speaking Points - Governor Judy Martz
Speaking Time: 5 Minutes
***Check Against Delivery***
Good evening. President Beck, Speaker McGee and legislative leadership, I am pleased to be with you as this legislative session concludes.
When I called the legislature into special session, I did so because our budget challenges were more than what our administration has the authority by law to adjust.
Thank you to each and every legislator who came here this week. I truly appreciate the sincere debate we have heard this week as you worked to prioritize reductions in spending.
I also want to thank the Office of Budget and Program Planning, the Department of Revenue, and all departments that have cooperated so well to bring about the necessary reductions in spending.
You know as well as I that these are painful decisions that affect everyone's lives. I thank you for your efforts to focus on reductions in spending that have the most limited impact possible, while at the same time assuring that the state remains fiscally responsible.
Montanans should be proud of their elected officials. What we saw this week is a true testament to strong leadership and fiscal responsibility.
These are challenging economic times in Montana and across the nation. I commend the legislature for making the tough decisions to balance our state's budget, and for completing this difficult task in a timely manner.
As we close this evening, I would like to highlight two key areas where you have stood in support of Montana families. The first of those is your choice not to raise taxes during this special session.
Montanans know they can't spend money that they don't have. The same must hold true for government. Tax increases are just not the way to balance our budget.
Again, I repeat - we are already 46th in per capita income. The legislature rightly chose not to balance the budget on the backs of hard working Montana citizens.
Simply put, the state must invest in long-term solutions to the budget issues facing the state, rather than implementing short-term tax fixes. ///
So, in that light, I also want to commend you for restoring funding for key economic development programs.
In a Friday editorial, the Great Falls Tribune noted that economic development is the cornerstone of our administration. The Tribune agreed with our administration's assessment that business growth is necessary to rebuild the state's economy.
As they reviewed reductions that were proposed early on in the session, the Tribune went on to say, "It's discouraging that Montana's best hope for recovery -- economic development -- may be sabotaged by the current cuts."
To the legislators, thank you for restoring those reductions. Thank you for recognizing that the best hope for long-term recovery of our economy - the best hope to ensure that needed programs like education and human services are funded - is to grow our economy, and not to raise taxes.
Thank you for recognizing that increasing taxes and eliminating economic development is the exact opposite of a fiscally responsible approach.
And, thank you for supporting a long-term direction for our state. ///
Strong legislative leadership will continue to be key as we move into the next regular session.
You know as well as I that what we've seen in terms of the economy tells us that these reductions are only the tip of the iceberg.
I appreciate your foresight in taking a disciplined and
long-term approach now in preparation for the upcoming regular session. I look forward to your creative solutions and ideas as we move into that session. Together, we can work through this economic downturn and in the process, build a better future for Montana families.
Thank you.
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