My name is Bob Bergren. I am serving as Speaker of the House for the 61st Montana State Legislature. This is my 4th term, serving since 2004. It's been my great honor to represent House District 33 and I am pleased to carry on my work on issues including rural economic development, affordable health care, and energy production.Archive for Economy
House Bill 645: Federal Stimulus Money
Posted by: | CommentsSpeaker of the Montana House of Representatives Bob Bergren (D-Havre) Thursday released a following statement in relation to the House’s passage of House Bill 645, the act to implement the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. The bill passed second reading 65-34 Thursday afternoon, then the House suspended its rules and passed bill on third reading 63-33.
I’m proud to say the legislative process is working like it is supposed to. Read More→
Bergren Launches Resolution to Certify Federal Stimulus Package
Posted by: | CommentsSpeaker of the House Bob Bergren drafted a resolution Thursday to certify the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Under the act, States are required certify that they will apply for funding by April 3rd. Bergren’s resolution has the support of Senate President Bob Story and Senate Minority leader Carol Williams.
“This resolution simply streamlines the process for getting the stimulus bill moving in Montana. We all want to see the federal stimulus money on the ground as quickly as possible - putting people to work, creating jobs and getting our economy going,” Bergren said. Read More→
Bergren: Democrats Take Different Approach to Economic Recovery
Posted by: | CommentsHELENA - Speaker of the Montana House of Representatives Bob Bergren (D-Havre) said today that recent remarks by Montana House Minority Leader—and former Speaker of the House—Scott Sales illustrate how differently Democrats and some Republicans approach economic recovery and jobs for Montanans.
“We think action from the U.S. Congress to pass a package of job-recovery legislation and infrastructure improvements is essential to bring jobs to Montana and start economic recovery,” Bergren said.
“A recovery package that creates jobs and builds infrastructure is good for all Montanans. Construction projects to improve our bridges, roads, hospitals and schools will put Montanans to work in good-paying jobs.” Read More→
Plum Creek Reduces Production at Montana Mills
Posted by: | CommentsCOLUMBIA FALLS, Mont. - In response to unprecedented and challenging business conditions in the housing sector and a continuing decline in demand for wood products, Plum Creek today announced plans to reduce production at its four lumber sawmill facilities and Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) plant in Montana. These actions will result in the loss of 145 jobs.
Plum Creek will permanently close the Ksanka sawmill located in Fortine in March, a move that will mean a loss of jobs for 74 employees. The company will also temporarily curtail operations at the Evergreen sawmill located in Kalispell for the remainder of January, February and potentially March. Both Ksanka and Evergreen mills produce stud grade lumber for home construction. When lumber markets improve, the Evergreen sawmill will have the capacity to absorb some of the volume previously produced at Ksanka. Read More→