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.House Bill 645: Federal Stimulus Money
BySpeaker 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.
The opportunities—and challenges— presented by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act are unlike anything we’ve seen. Nonetheless, the Democrats and Republicans on the House Appropriations Committee have worked diligently to craft a plan to help the Montanans who need help the most. I am grateful for their hard work.
We are forwarding HB 645 to the Senate, and Montanans can be proud of what the House has accomplished. We can all look forward to projects to improve the state’s bridges, roads, schools and hospitals, as well as funding for human service programs and training for Montana workers.
It is estimated that the total impact of HB 645 is more than $1.6 billion, including an estimated $575 million in tax relief provisions for Montanans.
In addition to direct federal funds, the ARRA allows the state to replace general fund with federal funds, freeing up the general fund for other uses. In Montana, ARRA frees up about $253 million.