"Early budget plans portend substantial service cuts for Montana," Billings Gazette, January 8, 2011.

"Montana's newly elected leaders hold a special trust. They are responsible not just for maintaining the schools, roads and health systems that help make Montana a great place to live and work, but also for positioning our state for long-term prosperity.

However, if a little-discussed plan goes forward during the first weeks of the legislative session, Montana may see a significant drop in the quality of education, infrastructure, and other public services. The consequences of this plan would be serious for both the short and long-term prosperity of our state."