On the recordOctober 20, 2011
I rise today to speak about the priorities facing Montana and this Nation, creating jobs, responsibly cutting our spending, cutting the deficit, rebuilding our economy. I appreciate the proposal that will be put forth I think later this evening to attempt to create jobs. When that proposal gets to the floor, I will vote to have the debate on S. 1723, because only then will I be able to offer my amendments to that bill, because as it is written, I cannot support that bill. Having debate will allow us an opportunity to amend it so that it will guarantee jobs in Montana and across America. The perspective I bring to the table is a little different than most. I am someone who lives in, works in, represents a rural State. My responsibility is to make sure every decision I make works for not only Montana but the entire country. I expect full accountability for every penny of taxpayer dollars we spend. I expect that when you invest in something, you get what you pay for. A lot of folks know I am a farmer, but many do not know I am also a former schoolteacher. I used to teach elementary music at Big Sandy Elementary, in Big Sandy, MT. I fully understand the importance of making sure all of our Nation's teachers have the resources they need to do their job, to lead our most important resource, our children. As a teacher, I also know that when rural schools are asked to compete with urban schools for Federal funding, rural schools often get left behind.…
