Legislature marked by sharp dispute, some bipartisan policies | 406 Politics

From a democratic point of view, however, the change in the dynamics of power deteriorated.

“I think the tone of this legislation was a lot different than I’ve ever seen it before, and I think that has to do with the fact that there was no balance. … We may have had Republican majorities in the legislature, but we had a Democratic governor so people were forced to come to the table and actually work in that middle ground that I think most Montans find themselves in, “said Jill Cohenour, Chairwoman of the Democratic Senate Minority from East Helena.

The meeting was marked by serious party errors, from budget priorities to changes in the state health department to bills to improve access to voting, an investigation into the judiciary and much more. Where the GOP saw opportunity and progress, Democrats saw discrimination, punitive action, and harm.

Republicans have passed the party’s estimated $ 120 million tax cuts – Gianforte’s proposals – which they say will fuel business growth while Democrats counter what benefits only the rich. The party also put forward bills that reduced the rules for businesses and removed what the industry saw as legal obstacles.

A stack of laws sits on the desk of Senator Jason Small, R-Busby, in the State Capitol on April 29, 2021, in the Senate.

THOM BRIDGE, Independent Record

“Many of these guidelines will help Montana businesses not have to look over their shoulder but look ahead and grow their businesses,” said Senate President Mark Blasdel, a Republican from Kalispell, on Friday.