WHO: Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, D
WHAT: On Jan. 9, Schweitzer included in his federal stimulus wish list $3.41 million in renovations to Montana’s state-run liquor warehouse. A new stimulus report from Sen. Tom Coburn R-Okla., states that the liquor warehouse will receive $2.21 million for skylight construction.
WHY IT’S AN OUTRAGE: Even as it drinks down national taxpayers’ stimulus money, Montana’s wholesale liquor distribution monopoly is a very lucrative enterprise — it returned $29 million in profits to the state treasury in 2008. According to estimates from the governor’s office, the first phase of the booze warehouse project will create only 10 jobs. Schweitzer prefaced his wish list, in which the warehouse was the very first item, by calling it “Montana’s best effort to be ready to take full advantage of every federal dollar that may come our way.”
WHERE TO VENT: Montana governor’s office, 406-444-3111.
