UPDATE: According to Jay Bodner of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, HB 622 (read it here) did pass its third reading in the Montana Senate on Wednesday in a 45 to 5 vote. It is now on its way to Governor Schweitzer.
The following is from KXLH.com:
by Marnee Banks (Helena)
The Montana Legislature is one step closer to helping ranchers pay for their losses to due to wolf populations.
House Bill 622 would provide $200,000 per year to help pay ranchers for livestock losses.
In 2009, the state paid out $145,000 to ranchers across Montana.
However, the head of the Livestock Mitigation Board says this is just a drop in the bucket compared to the kind of losses Montana ranchers face due to the gray wolf.
Republicans and Democrats both supported the measure in a 42 to 8 vote.
The bill must pass a third reading on Wednesday before heading to the Governor’s desk.
To watch the Senate Floor Session, CLICK HERE.
Source: KXLH
Posted by Haylie Shipp
