Montana LC 4273: House resolution for legislators to offset appropriations in introduced bills by identifying the programs from which funds are to be reallocated in the same bill

Bill Text

69th Legislature 2025 LC 4273
- 1 - LC 4273
1 _____________ RESOLUTION NO. _____________
2 INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________
3
4 A RESOLUTION OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING
5 THAT LEGISLATORS OFFSET APPROPRIATIONS IN INTRODUCED BILLS BY IDENTIFYING IN THE SAME
6 BILL THE PROGRAMS FROM WHICH FUNDS ARE TO BE REALLOCATED.
7
8 WHEREAS, the United States has surpassed more than $36 trillion in national debt, which amounts to
9 over $166,000 in debt for each American; and
10 WHEREAS, the federal fiscal situation results in economic uncertainty and recurrent threats of
11 government shutdown; and
12 WHEREAS, government fiscal responsibility provides American citizens with the confidence to engage
13 in our state and national economies, which is beneficial to all; and
14 WHEREAS, now more than ever, having seen national inflation rates fluctuate dramatically over the
15 past 4 years, even as high as 8% in 2022, fiscal responsibility is necessary not only at the individual level but
16 also at the state and federal government levels; and
17 WHEREAS, the State of Montana has engaged in record spending year after year, most recently
18 evidenced by the Governor's proposed 2-year state budget of $17.9 billion; and
19 WHEREAS, government spending must be tempered by accountability and reason for the good of and
20 the prosperity of all of Montana's citizenry.
21
22 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
23 MONTANA:
24 That if a member of the Legislature of the State of Montana introduces a bill with an appropriation or
25 amends a bill to include an appropriation to authorize the expenditure of money, the bill must also identify a
26 program or programs from which the newly appropriated funds are to be reallocated to offset the new
27 expenditure.
28 - END -
(Primary Sponsor)