Happy 2011! Montanans should be very afraid because the 62nd Montana Legislature starts today in Helena.

For those of you not familiar with the Montana Legislature, it meets for 90 days every two years. Some people wish it would meet for two days every 90 years…

There are 100 House members (two-year terms) and 50 Senate members (four-year terms). The legislators are paid for their service (they can refuse a salary) and they are offered life, health, dental and vision insurance. Most legislators do not have paid staff, so don’t expect much if any constituent service from them during the session (there are cocktail parties to attend).

You can find their contact information HERE.

The GOP holds a 28-22 edge in the Montana Senate and a 68-32 majority in the Montana House. One-third of the 150 legislators this year are serving their first term so they are lost.

Normally, the Montana Legislature can be described as a three-ring circus (Governor, House and Senate). Many of the folks representing their little part of Montana have little or no legislative experience – but I have heard that some legislators can actually read and write. There will be bitter arguments. There will be showdowns with the Governor. The two political parties will fight. There will be many lobbyists and cocktail parties galore during these next four months. There will probably be an increase in DUIs in Helena.

The peaceful little town of Helena is not a destination place from now until mid April.

Then we have the Montana media that covers the whole circus – and their experience is just about as much as the legislators they are covering (virtually none).

Other Stuff:

-Somebody will speak about balancing the budget like this is something spectacular. It’s a constitutional requirement – so it will be balanced – so don’t let the fancy talk fool you.

-They must address the Driving under the Influence laws in the state. They need to be toughened.

-It’s the economy stupid. Jobs, jobs, jobs

-Don’t increase a “fee” and tell me it’s not a tax increase.

-Cut the fat from the State Government – times are tough.

-They need to make some rules for the medical-marijuana program

-The legislators need to remember to do no harm.

-If Montana wants to be a leader in keeping and attracting new military missions in Montana, they need a plan.

To add salt to the wound, the boys and girls are heading back to Washington this week, too. That’s a double whammy we just don’t need…

Check back here at The Western Word for more updates as the circus unfolds…