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Burns addresses state Legislature, urges development of natural resource industries

Sen. Conrad Burns told state lawmakers that Montana needs to take advantage of international free trade agreements to develop and sell its coal, timber and agricultural products.

By MATT GOURAS Associated Press Writer Helena IR

In a speech before both the House and Senate on Thursday, the Montana Republican said the world needs to know Montana is "open for business" and its shelves are stocked with "bountiful natural resources."

"These resources, used domestically or exported abroad, would provide an economic boost for our state while reducing our dependence on terrorist-sponsored energy in the Middle East," Burns told the Legislature. "These are possible solutions."

Burns also took the opportunity to back President Bush’s plan to develop fuel cell, solar and wind energy. Burns said he will continue to find federal money for Montana hydrogen fuel cell research facilities.

The senator told lawmakers that medical and health insurance costs need to be controlled by reducing litigation against doctors.

"Insurance costs are skyrocketing, businesses are forced to pass those costs on to employees, and increasing numbers of people skip preventative care because of the impact on their pocketbook and a lack of adequate coverage," Burns said.

He also pushed ideas for "responsible" prescription drug coverage and tax incentives for health care.

Closer to home, Burns addressed lawmakers on their work to fix a $232 million budget deficit.

"Montana is currently confronted by changes dealing with the future of our state," Burns said. "We have the challenge of a relentless drought, a deficit, a health care crisis, and always the uncertainty of higher unemployment."

He said states around the country face similar situations, but added Montana is doing better than many others and cited a lower-than-average unemployment rate.

"It is easy to get bogged down in the negative as you continue your work in the Legislature," Burns said. "I think you need to see what is good and positive here in our state."

http://helenair.com/articles/2003/02/21/montana_top/c01022103_01.txt

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