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SJ 9

Joint resolution on the economic dangers of federal debt and deficits

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tom McGillvray

Montana SJ 9 declares concern about rising U.S. debt and deficits, urges federal action to curb deficits; non-binding, symbolic resolution meant to influence federal policy.

(S) Filed with Secretary of State
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Bill Summary · SJ 9

Summary — SJ 9

Title: Joint resolution on the economic dangers of federal debt and deficits
Bill Number: SJ 9
Sponsor: Sen. Tom McGillvray (primary)
Classification: Joint resolution (general)
Introduced: January 8, 2025
Status: Filed with Secretary of State (April 8, 2025)

Purpose / Intent

SJ 9 is a legislative joint resolution expressing the Montana Legislature’s concerns about the economic risks associated with rising U.S. federal government debt and ongoing budget deficits. As a general joint resolution, its primary purpose is declaratory and political — to state the legislature’s findings and to urge action by federal policymakers rather than to create or change state law.

Key provisions (as indicated by title and classification)

The bill text itself is not included here; based on its title and common practice for this type of resolution, SJ 9 likely includes the following elements:
- Legislative findings summarizing how high federal debt and persistent deficits can harm economic growth, increase interest costs, raise inflation risk, reduce fiscal flexibility, and impose burdens on future generations.
- A formal declaration of concern and opposition to continued growth in federal debt and deficits.
- Calls or requests directed to Congress and the President to adopt policies that reduce deficits and stabilize or reduce federal debt (for example, through spending restraint, tax policy adjustments, entitlement reform, or a balanced-budget requirement).
- Possible request to transmit copies of the resolution to federal officials (President, U.S. Senators and Representatives) and to other state legislatures.
Note: Because SJ 9 is a joint resolution at the state level relating to federal policy, it is generally non-binding on federal actors.

Who is affected

  • Directly: None in terms of immediately enforceable legal changes — the resolution is primarily symbolic and advisory.
  • Indirectly: Federal policymakers (Congress, President) are the intended audience; the resolution aims to influence federal fiscal policy debate. Montana residents may be affected in the long run if such advocacy contributes to federal fiscal changes that impact economic conditions, interest rates, or federal program funding.

Legislative and procedural timeline (key actions)

  • Drafting and reviews: Dec 2024–Jan 2025 (LC drafts, legal review)
  • Introduced in Senate: Jan 14–15, 2025 (1st reading Jan 15)
  • Senate committee hearings and report: Jan 21 & Jan 31, 2025 (Energy, Technology & Federal Relations — bill passed)
  • Senate floor action: 2nd Reading passed Feb 6, 2025; 3rd Reading passed Feb 7, 2025
  • Transmitted to House: Feb 7, 2025
  • House committee hearings and concurrence: Feb 10–Feb 20 (Energy, Technology and Federal Relations — bill concurred); 2nd Reading Concurred Mar 24; 3rd Reading Concurred Mar 25, 2025
  • Enrolling and final signatures: Sent to enrolling Mar 25; returned from enrolling Mar 27; signed by the Senate President Mar 31; signed by the House Speaker Apr 7
  • Filed with Secretary of State: Apr 8, 2025

Expected impact

  • Immediate legal/fiscal impact on the State of Montana: none (expressive resolution).
  • Political impact: registers Montana’s official stance on federal fiscal policy, may be used to pressure federal officials or support broader interstate calls for federal fiscal restraint or amendments.
  • Public awareness: can raise public and media attention to the legislature’s concerns about federal debt and deficits.

If you would like, I can:
- Locate and summarize the actual resolution text (if available) to confirm the precise findings and directives; or
- Draft a brief cover letter or transmittal template the Legislature could use to send SJ 9 to federal officials.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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