Wednesday and Thursday will see a lot of debate over the state budget in Helena as an interim legislative committee takes up spending cuts proposed by Governor Steve Bullock.
Lower-than-anticipated state revenue, combined with an expensive fire season could mean upwards of $230 million in general fund cuts may be required to balance the state budget.
Bullock is asking Republican state lawmakers to join him in calling for a special session to deal with budget problems. Republicans are resisting that.
For perspective, MTPR's Edward O’Brien spoke with longtime statehouse newspaper reporter Chuck Johnson, who has covered several special sessions. He explains why some special legislative sessions have been more successful than others.