Is this a paid position in some states? Really, I’m not sure but it made me chuckle a bit. Granted, I’m not an artsy type person — maybe you can tell by looking at my blog? My apologies to any of my artsy friends reading this.

By The Associated Press

HELENA - Montana’s first poet laureate has largely relied on the kindness of friends and strangers to make ends meet during the past 18 months.

The position created by the 2005 Legislature isn’t paid. To make up for that, Poet Laureate Sandra Alcosser of Florence has pinched pennies by carpooling to poetry readings, accepting donations and staying in people’s homes - rather than hotels - in the communities she’s visited.

Last month, she asked lawmakers to make things easier on the next poet laureates by compensating them for travel expenses.

Not for her mind you, the next poet laureates. She’s okay with pinching pennies and carpooling, mooching off people here and there.

The House rejected that request Saturday, 53-47. Opponents called any payment unnecessary and said the position should remain an honorary one.

I’m amazed the vote was this close. 47 Representatives wanted to blow MT money on this lady traveling around reciting poetry? I would imagine their constituents would not appreciate this, but I was wrong once — and might be again. Who knows?

“This is truly growing government in a nonrequired way,” said Rep. John Sinrud, R-Bozeman. “How is this going to help the people of Montana who need health insurance or who need child support or day care? It doesn’t do anything for the state of Montana.”

Rep. Robin Hamilton, D-Missoula, said his bill wouldn’t spend state money.

Instead, it would allow the Montana Arts Council to use about $4,000 in federal grant money to reimburse travel expenses under the position, he said.

There, it happened again — I was wrong! It would not be MT money. It would be United States Citizen’s money paying for the MT state poet. That makes it much better.

Rep. Franke Wilmer, D-Bozeman, said she’s “ashamed” that Alcosser has had to “pass the hat” for her travel costs and urged lawmakers to vote for the bill.

I’ll admit that it’s just me being bitter here, but how about just getting a real job? You know, then pay your own expenses?

Opponents said the Arts Council is already strapped for cash, and wondered where it would get the extra grant money for such expenses.

Others worried the bill would lead to requests for more money or a salary.

Seriously? Nah, wouldn’t happen, would it?

“This person knew up front it was going to be an honorary position,” Rep. Bruce Malcolm, R-Emigrant, said.

Ah ha! There’s the key. I wonder if she knew what exactly was meant by honorary position?

“There was no money from the state for it. I’m sorry, but that’s the rules of the game. I don’t think this body needs to start down this slippery road in spending more money.”