Testimony Against Senate Bill 307

March 31 Senate Finance and Claims Committee

Mr. Chair and members of the Committee, for the record, my name is Jeff Herbert, I reside in Helena and I am here today on behalf of the Montana Sportsmen Alliance. I will keep this brief. We stand in opposition to SB 307.

When I participate as a citizen in this public process that is foundational to our form of government, I try do so in a manner respectful of the process and all the parties involved. Today, and in regards to SB 307, I find that incredibly difficult to do. When electoral success is proclaimed to be a mandate, I see nothing but hypocrisy when the will of the people, courtesy of that same electoral process, is blatantly ignored.

Your constituents are not trying to usurp Legislative fiscal responsibilities with this opposition. Rather, they are making their high regard for open lands and conservation crystal clear. Obviously, we support both prevention and treatment for addictive issues. We are also parents and grandparents. We find it disingenuous that directing funding to valuable outdoor resources or treatment and enforcement programs is portrayed as an either-or issue. Montanans truly value these landscapes that surround us and offer so much. Our ability - and that of future generations - to hunt, fish, and access these resources, requires a commitment to maintain those resources. That requires consistent funding over time. Purposefully dismantling Habitat Montana, an incredibly successful conservation program, and stealing from the future of Montana’s state parks and trails systems is blatantly ignoring the will of the people. In addition, the portrayal of the funding balance for Habitat Montana is not for lack of landowner or Fish, Wildlife & Parks interest in conservation easements or fee title acquisition. It is a result of the Administration and Land Board objecting to the use of those tools. Respect the voices of the citizens. Table SB 307.