State agencies submit legislative wish lists

HELENA - State agencies already have a wish list of almost 250 bills for 2005 Legislature, including proposals to maintain funding for health care programs, crack down on drinking drivers and other criminals, and bestow more benefits on Montanans in the military.

The roster of potential legislation was submitted to the governor's budget office for routine review, with the 2005 session still nine months away.

Chuck Swysgood, budget director for Gov. Judy Martz, said his staff will determine possible costs of the proposals and decide whether the ideas have the administration's support.

While opp...