Session Opens with Calls for Civility, Compromise

By MOLLY PRIDDY
Community News Service
UM School of Journalism

HELENA – The 61st session of the Montana Legislature opened Monday with pomp and promises of responsible budgeting and bipartisanship from Democrats and Republicans.

“There will be good ideas on the other side of the aisle too,” said Sen. Robert Story, the Park City Republican elected to preside over the GOP-controlled Senate. “I think it’s important to work together. I think some of the best legislation we’ve done is cooperative.”

Senate Minority Leader Carol Williams, D-Missoula, told her Republican counterparts that Democrats are ready to work with them.

“We want to be onboard your ship,” she said. “When we disagree, we will do it respectfully.”

But behind the calls for civility loomed worries about dwindling state revenues in the years ahead as the national recession takes it toll. Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer has already trimmed his proposed budget once since its introduction in November, and more cuts could be on the way. -MORE-