House Resolution No. ___, introduced by a group of legislators in Montana, addresses the pressing issue of fiscal responsibility in light of the United States' significant national debt, which exceeds $36 trillion. The resolution emphasizes the importance of government accountability in spending, particularly as inflation rates have fluctuated dramatically in recent years. It highlights the need for citizens to have confidence in both state and national economies, especially given the record spending proposed in the Governor's recent two-year budget of $17.9 billion.
The resolution calls for a procedural change in the legislative process, stipulating that any bill introduced or amended to include appropriations must also specify the programs from which funds will be reallocated to offset these new expenditures. This measure aims to ensure that new spending is balanced with existing budgetary constraints, promoting a more responsible fiscal approach that benefits all citizens of Montana.