When the legislative session stated, two of the bills I was most looking forward to seeing passed were HB1377 and HB1347. As the legislative session draws to a close, what I hear from Bismarck is that these bills may be sent for "study."
I find that unacceptable.
These bills, which would create an accessible database of state spending and would prevent state employees from using taxpayer resources to advocate initiated measures, are simple matters that are easily understood. They do not need study. They need an up or down vote.
What I fear is that many in the legislature would rather kill these bills than commit themselves to a "yea" or "nay" vote on them. I find that to be cowardly.
The public has a right to know how their tax dollars are spent. They also have a right not to have to fight against the lobbying of their own government, paid for by their own money, to effect change in the government.
Please bring these bills to a vote.
