Hansen blames politics for Northern funding cuts

A proposed $400,000 allocation for the biodiesel research center at Montana State University-Northern is being used as a political game in Helena, State Sen. Kris Hansen said.

Hansen, R-Havre, said the allocation was not included in Gov. Steve Bullock's budget.

This is the third legislative session in a row that the governor has not put the money in the budget. The last two sessions, legislators restored the funding.

"They (the governor's office) are using this as a bargaining chip," she said. "I don't like it."

She asked the public to show support for the center, which does research into the development of biofuels and their use. Supporters see it as a valuable tool in the development of clean energy, and they think it could provide jobs to the Havre area.

People should send emails to members of the appropriations committees in the House and Senate and to other legislative leaders, Hansen said.

Hansen spoke Tuesday at the weekly video conference. She and other Hi-Line lawmakers talk via television to people at the Havre Public Schools' Robins Administration Building.

If emails don't work, she said the public should call representatives and senators who fail to commit to the funding.

"I would be grateful if you would help me on this," Hansen said.

She said it was "a pain in the neck" to have to undergo such an effort because the program has made such a good case for itself.

Hansen said at the noontime session that the Hi-Line delegation was planning to have dinner with Northern Interim Chancellor Greg Kegel and Montana State University President Waded Cruzado to hash over several Northern issues.

On other topics at the session:

Mental health issues

Hansen said there seems to be agreement that people with mental health issues need better treatment, but a disagreement on how best to do that.

She said many homeless people are being taken from the streets to jail because in most small towns there is no place else to save them from the elements.

Most small hospitals don't have mental health wards that can treat these people.

Gov. Steve Bullock leans toward more institutional care, while Republicans- and some Democrats - favor more community-based treatment.

While there are cases where people have to be institutionalized, it is better for most to be treated in their hometowns where they are close to their support systems. Many times, she said, this enables people to keep their jobs.

Early Edge

Gov. Steve Bullock's proposal for pre-kindergarten program received a cool reception from Rep. G. Bruce Meyers, R-Box Elder.

He said studies have shown that preschool programs have had little effect on students as they grow older.

That prompted questioning from Havre School Superintendent Andy Carlson, who said he has not seen studies like that.

Carson, who took part in the discussions from Havre, said he is not supporting or opposing the governor's plan, but studies he was aware of showed that preschool education did help in development of young people.

Meyers said he based his comments on his talks with local superintendents, including Brian Barrows, a former Chester superintendent.

Wearing orange

The audience was cool to the idea proposed by Sen. Scott Sales, R-Bozeman, who wanted to loosen rules on wearing orange clothing while hunting.

The Hi-Line lawmakers, while not making a commitment, indicated they were leaning against the bill.

"I'll vote to keep orange," said Rep. Mike Lang, R-Malta.

Sage grouse

The sage grouse is on the verge of being declared an endangered species, and state officials fear this would prompt strict regulations on agriculture and oil industries.

Gov. Steve Bullock is seeking a compromise, hoping to placate federal officials by working "Montana-made" solutions to the potential extinction of the bird.

Lang said he reluctantly favored the governor's plan because he didn't want to see officials step in.

"I don't like the bird," he said. "But I like the place they live - eastern Montana."