Lawmakers sworn in for 2023 session

By Elinor Smith

Legislative News Service

UM School of Journalism

Lawmakers from across the state gathered in Helena Monday to be sworn in for the 2023 Montana legislative session.

Republicans hold a majority in both the House and Senate and say their top issues will include inflation, affordable housing and the cost of living. Great Falls Republican Senator Steve Fitzpatrick is the Senate majority leader.

“As we always do, we're going to pass a conservative, balanced budget, which funds our government, but also prepares us for the challenges of tomorrow. We're going to work on property tax relief, and we're going to make housing more affordable.”

Montana Democrats say they also aim to address affordable housing as well as affordable healthcare and long-term tax relief. Helena Democratic Representative Kim Abbott is the House minority leader.

“As you look through our platform, you'll see some common threads and it's really about our vision to create a fair economy that works for working families and middle-class families.”

The biennial session lasts 90 days.

Elinor Smith is a reporter with the UM Legislative News Service, a partnership of the University of Montana School of Journalism, the Montana Broadcasters Association, the Montana Newspaper Association and the Greater Montana Foundation.