De-funding TSEP would harm Montanans, Hill County

When you hear the phrase "TSEP" or "Treasure State Endowment Program" what does this mean to you? If you are not part of a local government then the phrase may have little significance.

You may not know, but funding for TSEP was derived from the coal severance tax trust fund established under Article IX, Section 5, of the Montana Constitution. TSEP was authorized by Montana voters through the passage of referendum 110 on June 2, 1992, and can be found as law under Sections 90-6-701 through 90-6-710, Montana Code Annotated.

Each year on July 1, the state treasurer determines the obligations req...