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Majorities in the Montana House and Senate today sent a letter to Montana’s congressional delegation, urging Sens. Max Baucus & Jon Tester and Rep. Denny Rehberg to support a federal balanced budget amendment. The letter, signed by over 80 members of the 62nd Legislature, reaffirms that Montana would be one of the first states to ratify such an amendment if it were to pass Congress.

"The clock is ticking for lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to do the right thing.  Montana and 48 other states already balance their checkbooks. The federal government should be able to follow our lead,” said Senate Majority Leader Jeff Essmann.

"Saddling future generations with an unsustainable debt is not an acceptable solution to our current economic woes. It is high time for Congress to step up and ensure a brighter future for our children and grandchildren by passing a balanced budget amendment."

A copy of the letter sent to the delegation is attached. Sen. Essmann will be available throughout the day to field questions from the press.