Econ Tracker

Bullock touts JOBS bill in MSU-Northern visit

Posted: Jan 25, 2013 9:25 AM by Beth Beechie - MTN News

HAVRE - Governor Steve Bullock's "JOBS" bill lays out a plan to create 24-hundred jobs in the state of Montana. The measure is an acronym for Jobs and Opportunity by Building Schools, and it could bring state of the art changes to MSU Northern.

"I want to go to work for a big company, make a lot of money, eventually open my own shop," said Charlie Mack, who's a Diesel Mechanics major from Big Timber.

Mack originally picked MSU Northern to join the rodeo team, but in the process he chose a major that could be housed in a new facility, should Gov. Bullock's $4.9 million proposal for a new Automotive Tech Center pass in the legislature.

"Every one of the students we see are going to have good jobs, and most are going to stay in Montana. So what we need to do it be investing in our state and educational institutions to make sure more students have more jobs in the whole state," Bullock said.

The Democrat toured the MSU Northern facilities that would benefit from the investment, which is a part of the JOBS bill.

Mack says newer, state of the art, classrooms would only help him hit the ground running once he graduates.

"The biggest thing is having new technology so we're on top of the game. When we come out of here some shops you go to won't be brand new, but if you know the new stuff, it's a lot easier to get back to the old."

Mack added that some of his classes required for graduation are held in classrooms too small to fit everyone in.

He also says that could easily turn a four-year degree into five years of schooling, which just reinforces the governor's goal.

"I'm walking away with a renewed additional commitment to help the legislature understand how important it is that we invest in our educational facilities like MSU Northern," Bullock stated.

Mack says he and other students who could benefit from this investment would be all the more prepared for the job market with a new facility.

"With new buildings we'd be able to be more productive and learn more."