Gianforte and the Republican supermajority’s failed veto override puts politics over rural Montana, veterans, and public land conservation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 19, 2024

CONTACT
gaby@montanademocrats.org

Helena, MT – The bipartisan supported SB 442, which allocated marijuana tax revenue towards county roads, veterans services and conservation efforts, failed a veto override poll in a sickening display of political theater by Republican leaders.

In the 2023 session, SB 442 was introduced by state Senator Mike Lang (R-Malta) and passed with overwhelming bipartisan support with 130 of 150 members of the state House and Senate supporting the bill. The bill also showed broad support from Montanans including county commissioners, veterans, and conservation and public lands advocates.

The bill, however, was vetoed by Governor Gianforte as the legislative session was ending, and a group of stakeholders sued both Gianforte and Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen for ignoring their constitutional duties and failing to poll the Legislature to override the veto. After months in limbo, the Lewis & Clark County District Court issued a ruling requiring Gianforte and Jacobsen to take the appropriate steps to allow the Montana Legislature to vote on overriding Gianforte’s veto.

Today, the veto poll results show Republicans succumbed to playing politics and partisan flip-flopping to show support for Governor Gianforte during an election year.

“This is exactly why folks get fed up with politics – and who can blame them?”said Executive Director of the Montana Democratic Party Sheila Hogan.“Here you have a wildly popular, bipartisan bill designed to support rural communities, veterans and outdoor enthusiasts. After a series of stall tactics from Gianforte and Jacobsen and political charades from the Republican supermajority in the Legislature, Gianforte gets his way at the expense of Montanans.”

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