Economic Affairs Interim Committee

Livestock, Labor, Insurance on Legislative Committee Agenda

Committee: Economic Affairs Interim Committee
Author: Pat Murdo
Posted on September 1, 2017


Upcoming Interim Committee Meeting

The Economic Affairs Interim Committee (EAIC) will hear updates from three state agencies at its Sept. 14, 2017, meeting. Budget concerns and agency prospects will be the main themes as the eight-member EAIC hears from the Department of Livestock, the Department of Labor and Industry, and the State Auditor’s Office. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. in Room 152 of the State Capitol in Helena.

The committee also will determine its work plan priorities on three studies based on resolutions passed during the 2017 Legislature. One study will consider the future structure of the state’s guaranteed provider of workers’ compensation insurance, the Montana State Fund (MSF). Employers can obtain workers’ compensation insurance either through self-insurance, private insurance, or MSF. MSF is required to write coverage unless a company has not paid its past MSF bills. In addition to the study discussion, MSF will review its current budget.

Of the other two studies, the committee will decide how much time to spend looking at the causes and solutions for unemployment in high-poverty areas and how to expand emergency medical services, particularly for veterans. The EAIC may also consider how much time to spend on particular areas of interest; one suggested topic is broadband access in Montana.

Time for public comment will be provided. Public comment guidelines are on the committee website. The meeting will be live streamed at http://leg.mt.gov and will be broadcast on Television Montana (TVMT). Please check your local channel listings to find TVMT in your area. For more information about the meeting, including a full agenda, visit the committee’s website or contact Pat Murdo, committee staff.

Committee website: www.leg.mt.gov/eaic
Committee staff: pmurdo@mt.gov or 406-444-3594