HELENA – Rep. Dale Mortensen returned to the House floor Monday after missing several weeks of this legislative session, receiving a round of applause from colleagues but unwilling to say publicly what kept him away.
“I’m doing better,” the Billings Republican said after the 70-minute floor session in which 15 bills cleared second reading and 30 more passed third reading.
“I’m catching up,” he said.
Mortensen said he had missed the time because of “personal illness” and declined to provide details. He said he was respecting the privacy of family members.
House members acknowledged his return.
Rep. Gordon Pierson, D-Deer Lodge, “I see seat 92 is filled again. I would like to personally say the amount of courage, strength this man has shown, to do what he has done and come back and vote with us this session definitely deserves a round of applause.”
Lee Enterprises reported in early March that Mortensen had already been away at that time for several weeks.
House Speaker Greg Hertz. Hertz, a Polson Republican, said for medical privacy reasons he would leave it up to Mortensen to explain his departure.
Legislative Services told Lee he continued to receive $462.30 a week in wages and $120.11 a day for living expenses.
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Veteran journalist Phil Drake is our eye on the state capitol. For tips, suggestions or comment, he can be reached at 406-231-9021 or pdrake@greatfallstribune.com.
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