It is disappointing, but not surprising, that the Republican super majority in the Montana Legislature failed to override the Governor’s veto of SB442 which would have distributed a portion of marijuana revenue for county infrastructure. This bill was unique for the 2023 session because it garnered bipartisan support. It was also unique in that it took the Montana Supreme Court to allow the Legislature to exercise its constitutional right to vote to override the Governor’s veto. The Governor has called the Supreme Court’s ruling upholding separation of powers judicial overreach, when in reality his actions are executive overreach.
The Governor has not minced words that he doesn’t trust the county commissioners. The commissioners in my county are certainly trustworthy and operate their business much closer to the people than does the Montana Legislature.
The majority of Montana’s Republican legislators did not return their override ballots. The Jefferson County Republican incumbent went even further in lock step with the Governor by voting against overriding the Governor’s veto. Jefferson County deserves representation that promotes the interests of the people over the ego of party leaders.
Nancy Jane Lien is presently running for HD-75 in the Montana State House of Representatives.
