Governor Brian Schweitzer has called a Special Session of the Montana Legislature that will begin on Thursday, May 10, according to the Associated Press.

The Western Word (TWW) has called the 60th Legislative Session a “circus” for a few weeks now. We’ve had a three-ring circus in Helena.

As you may remember, the 60th Montana Legislature failed to pass a budget (about the only thing they are constitutionally required to do) in the 90 day regular session, which ended on April 27. Nobody can recall this ever happening. Ever.

There’s no word if they will be paid or not. The Western Word (TWW) says NO PAY. Here are three reasons: 1. They did not pass a budget. 2. It might make them work a little faster to get out of town. 3. Maybe it will make them more accommodating to their fellow legislators and the Governor.

A non-scientific poll conducted by the Helena Independent Record agreed with TWW with over 80% of the 614 people who responded saying don’t pay them. Good. Hopefully someone in Helena will listen to the people of Montana.

I’ve read that each day the legislature meets in this special session will cost us, the taxpayers, $38,000. This does not take into account about the $20,000 or so it takes to get the special session started. Ouch. There goes our money.