Editorial by Bill Lussenheide, Ravalli County
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Let's talk about the Montana legislature. You know, that group of people who are entrusted with making laws, funding projects, and overseeing the state’s business. In theory, it sounds great! But in practice… well, it’s a little like trying to fit a horse and buggy into a Tesla-sized world.
You see, Montana’s legislative system is a little like that old pair of jeans you’ve been holding onto since high school. They were great back then, but now they’re a little too snug, and you need a shoe horn to squeeze into them. Back when the Montana legislature was designed, way back in the days when you could fit the entire state into a single stadium (population of about 500,000, for reference), meeting every two years for just 90 days made perfect sense. It was a simpler time, back when the only thing you had to worry about was keeping your stove from burning down the log cabin and deciding whether to grow wheat or barley.
Now? Well, Montana is booming—population-wise, at least. We’ve got more people, more businesses, more complex issues, and more bills that need to be handled every day. The state's population has soared well beyond that half-million mark. In fact, the state’s population as of 2020 was pushing 1.1 million, and that number is continuing to climb. And yet, the legislature still meets for just 90 days every two years—like it's still 1950 and we’re still debating whether or not to rebuild a railroad spur in Lolo.
The Struggle of the 90-Day Legislature
Here's the thing: The legislative session in Montana is packed tighter than a sardine can, with more bills to vote on than there are cows in the state (okay, maybe not that many, but you get the point). From health care to education, to taxes, to infrastructure, to dealing with the fact that the potholes in the roads are starting to look like craters from a moon landing—Montana’s legislature faces some pretty serious stuff. But 90 days every two years? That's like trying to clean your entire house in 15 minutes—things are getting rushed, and some bills don't get the attention they deserve. It's not ideal, and frankly, it's starting to show.
A Few Ideas for Reform (and Maybe Some Laughs)
So, what do we do about it? Well, it might be time to give the whole system a makeover. After all, if it's broken, you don’t just patch it up with duct tape and hope for the best. Let's brainstorm some fresh ideas:
1. Meet Every Year, Not Every Two Years
Look, we all love a good break, but let’s be real here: It’s not 1883 anymore. Having the legislature meet only every other year is like putting off a dentist appointment until your teeth fall out. How about a session every year instead of every two? It’ll give lawmakers more time to focus on the issues that matter, and—dare we say it—examine the legislation that’s coming their way. More time, more careful consideration, and less rushing to get through the 75 pages of bills you didn’t even realize were on your desk until the night before.
2. Pay Up (But Not Too Much)
While Montana's lawmakers do amazing work, let’s be honest—they’re not exactly living the high life. Currently, legislative pay is so low, it can barely cover the gas to get to the Capitol, let alone rent a place near Helena. If we want Montana’s finest to focus on the business of the state, let’s raise their pay to something more reasonable. A livable salary means they can actually afford food, housing, and—let's not forget—show up to work without wondering if they should sell their car to cover their expenses.
Now, before you start picturing a bunch of gold-plated cars in the parking lot, we’re not talking about making them millionaires. We’re talking about making the job viable—something that attracts folks who are truly interested in making a difference, not just people who have the luxury of working for pocket change. Money might corrupt, but so does a lack of it.
3. Extend the Session, and Maybe Include a Nap Time
You know what else might help? Lengthening the legislative session. With so many important issues to discuss, the current 90-day limit feels like trying to finish a marathon in a pair of flip-flops. If Montana’s lawmakers had more time to dig into the nitty-gritty of things, we might actually see some bills get passed with more thought and less panic. Let’s face it: sometimes the best laws come from those long coffee-fueled, late-night debates. Maybe they could even work in a few scheduled naps—hey, it works for toddlers, why not politicians?
4. Campaign Contributions: The $450 Conundrum
And then there’s the issue of campaign contributions. Political action committees (PACs) can raise unlimited amounts of money from just about any anonymous source (because, sure, that’s a good idea- NOT! ). Meanwhile, Montana’s legislators are capped at a measly $450 per donor. That’s right—$450. That’s enough for one campaigns worth of Florence Coffee, but it’s not exactly the kind of cash that’s going to put a dent against tens of thousands of dollars of ad buys from PACS. Why not rethink these limits? Maybe there’s a happy middle ground between billionaire-backed PACs and the actual candidates begging for a few extra bucks.
Wrapping It Up
So, here’s the bottom line: Montana’s legislature has outgrown its old system. It’s like trying to wear your older fat brother’s jeans to the prom—awkward, uncomfortable, and frankly, a little outdated. A new approach to legislative sessions, pay, and campaign contributions could bring more attention to the issues that matter, give lawmakers the time and resources to do their jobs well, and make the whole process a lot less chaotic. Montana’s grown up. It’s time for the legislature to catch up. And hey, maybe we’ll even see a few more smiling faces in Helena instead of those wide-eyed stares of "I can’t believe we have to vote on this bill in the next 10 minutes!"
