Gianforte Marks Anniversaries of Bullock Vetoing Infrastructure Bills
Press Release
Sunday marks the one-year anniversary of Governor Steve Bullock's veto of Senate Bill 354, a bill that would have created the "Build Montana" program within the state's coal severance tax trust fund to fund much needed infrastructure projects. Friday marked the 3-year anniversary of Bullock's veto of House Bill 218, a bill that would have provided $35 million in infrastructure spending for communities affected by the oil boom.
Bozeman businessman and entrepreneur Greg Gianforte offered strong criticism of the governor, noting that SB 354 looked very similar to the plan the governor now proposes as his own.
GIANFORTE: The Governor has had 4 years to deliver on infrastructure, yet he has failed to get the job done. The past two sessions he has even vetoed good legislation that would have provided much needed relief to communities in dire need of infrastructure improvements. Now, in a campaign stunt, he goes out and proposes virtually the same plan he vetoed exactly one year ago. Clearly, this governor is out of ideas.
Senate Bill 354 was authored by State Sen. Rick Ripley (R-Wolf Creek). Late last month Governor Bullock announced a $200 million infrastructure plan that included the "Build Montana" program in the coal severance tax trust fund.
On Wednesday, Gianforte was joined by Ripley, State Sen. John Brenden (R-Scobey) and several other state legislators for a press conference to call out the governor for his failure to lead on this issue, and for vetoing a bill last session that so closely resembles what he is now proposing.
RIPLEY (at press conference): I was surprised to hear the current governor mention that he now has a plan to fund infrastructure. I was surprised -- because for the last two sessions, he has vetoed and blocked infrastructure legislation. To add to my surprise -- it turns out -- he basically took the same plan I passed nearly one year ago -- and the bill that he vetoed --and is calling it his own. Sounds like just another campaign trick if you ask me.
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