Senate leaders look forward to 2013 session

With leadership positions set, the Montana Legislature is well underway in their orientation process.

Senators and Representatives from across the state have spent much of the week at the Capitol preparing for the session at the start of the new year.  Beartooth NBC's Jill Jagelski spoke with Senate leaders today and has the story.

After leadership positions were decided for the Senate on Wednesday, Republican Jeff Essman now claims the Senate President title, and representing the minority is Democrat Jon Sesso.  With both faces familiar to the Montana Legislature, it's no surprise both men are already looking forward to the session at the start of the new year.  While they may be on the opposite side of the isle, Essman and Sesso agree, the most important issues is creating jobs in Montana.

Essman says, "The Republican majority in the Senate wants to deal with the number one issue which is improving the private sector economy in the state of Montana so that it can produce better paying jobs."

Sesso says, "We want to bring an emphasis on job creation, we've said it many times that the Legislature and legislators don't create jobs but they could do a lot to facilitate small businesses in their endeavor to create commerce and business and jobs for Montanans."

Despite the fact Governor Elect Steve Bullock is a Democrat, Essman says Republicans are anticipating a new face in office.  Sesso also says he's looking forward to working with the Governor and believes Bullock will help balance out state government.

Both Essman and Sesso say reaching across the isle and working together will be vital to the success of the next session.

Story by Jill Jagelski, Beartooth NBC.
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