Warburton backs jobs and responsible state spending

I'm honored to serve you in the Montana Legislature. Today, I'd like to highlight some key votes and issues.

Pro-life, pro-family values. I fought for pro-life, pro-family values, and against efforts to undermine one-man, one-woman marriage. I opposed implementing Helena-style, K-12 sex education statewide.

Property and gun rights. I voted to defend private property rights of small farmers over the interests of giant corporations.

For that, I've been accused of putting research dollars at risk, but my vote is not for sale. I promoted legislation protecting gun rights, including the Montana Firearms Freedom Act, "Castle Doctrine" HB228, and HJ14 supporting self-defense in national parks. And, I voted to keep the death penalty in Montana.

Lower taxes, responsible spending. I voted against property tax "mitigation," HB658, which caused property tax increases and is in litigation. I opposed the so-called "stimulus" our grandchildren will be paying for. I voted against expanding CHIPs to 250 percent of the poverty level, because:

(1) It was available at 175 percent yet wasn't fully utilized; (2) People can drop employer insurance to take advantage of the state program; (3) A similar program in another state went broke in less than a year; (4) It could do more harm than good to get people dependent on it if that could possibly happen; (5) It was unknown what Congress would do regarding health insurance federally.

And, I voted against House Bill 2, the entire state budget. Here's why: Montana's bloated budget has increased by $1 billion in recent years.

We now face a $400 million projected deficit, according to solid data from the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Division.

During the session, revenue projections were steadily dropping by millions.

I took that seriously and voted no, trying to get ahead of this mess.

Now, partisan operatives accuse me of voting against everything from MSUNorthern to the industrial park to Mom and apple pie. I fully support many good things in HB2 — but much other fat should have been trimmed.

For taking leadership on important issues, I was nominated for the Council of State Governments' Western Legislative Academy. Recently, I've received the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award, an honorable mention and 91 percent rating from the Montana Chamber of Commerce, the Montana Agricultural PAC's endorsement, 100 percent rating from United Property Owners of Montana, and 100 percent from the Montana Family Foundation.

I'll continue fighting for your rights, good jobs, and responsible spending in Helena. You're always welcome to contact me at (406) 262-3185 or wendywarburton@ gmail.com to discuss any votes or issues.

Thank you, Rep. Wendy Warburton HD 34, Republican Havre