Democrats accomplish legislative goals, GOP seeking governorship [View all]

HELENA — Democratic lawmakers were able to accomplish most of their priorities in during the legislative session, while GOP leaders said they displayed the unity that would help elect a Republican governor in 2020.

The Legislature adjourned on Thursday having passed a Medicaid expansion bill, approved $2.7 billion in infrastructure projects and a bill to fund a new Montana Historical Society museum, all key priorities for Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock.

"Dang near every proposal that I asked this legislative body to seriously consider will be making its way to my desk," Bullock said Thursday. "I say this to underscore that the budget and policies that we passed this session truly are a reflection of the values of the Montanans that we serve."

The Democrats' success comes despite being the minority party in both chambers. That's because they found a group of moderate Republicans with similar goals on certain bills with whom they could negotiate and vote in a coalition that outnumbered the conservatives.

Read more: https://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/2019/04/26/dems-accomplish-legislative-goals-gop-seeking-governorship/3593215002/