University of Montana economist Robert Sonora estimates $35 million has been spent in the state caring for preventable COVID-19 hospitalizations among the unvaccinated. The Director of Health Research at the Bureau of Business and Economic Research said the estimate is for patients who are in the hospital for two weeks though he noted that the...
Governor Gianforte Voices Concern With Council’s Updated Code Of Ethics
The Certification Standards and Practices Advisory Council voted to update its code of ethics for educators Wednesday. It used the word equity meant to inspire teachers to help every student get the resources they need to do their best. Wednesday’s vote prompted Governor Greg Gianforte to issue a statement saying the council’s deci...
Senator Tester Willing To Work With Ag Companies On “Right To Repair” Bill
Last week, Senator Jon Tester announced the Agriculture Right To Repair Act which, if passed, would require ag manufacturers to provide necessary parts to consumers to repair their own equipment. Although the bill’s intention is to ultimately work in favor for farmers and ranchers, the senator did say he would be willing to work with manufactu...
Doctor Highlights Drugstore Treatments For COVID & Other Respiratory Illnesses
Even as the omicron variant loosens its grip on Montana, other respiratory viruses usually reach their peak transmission during February. According to Dr. Nikki Gentile with University of Washington Medicine Primary Care, a handful of common drugstore items could alleviate symptoms of mile COVID-19 or another respiratory illness.
Montana May Receive Over $40 Million For Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
Nearly $5 billion will be made available nationwide under the new National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program established by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to build out a national electric vehicle charging network. Under the formula funding announced Wednesday, Montana is eligible to receive up to $42.9 million fo...
Lewis & Clark County To Decide On Possible Marijuana Tax
Lewis and Clark County voters will decide on taxing medical and recreational marijuana. Details from our Capitol City Correspondent Troy Shockley.
Montana Receives Funding For Abandoned Oil Wells
The Biden Administration has announced more than $1.1 billion for 26 states including $26 million for Montana to address abandoned methane-leaking orphan oil wells. Curtis Shuck is Chairman of the Well-Done Foundation a nonprofit based in Shelby that is plugging wells across the country. His organization approached the Montana Board of Oil and...
Montana Supreme Court Administrator Asks U.S. Supreme Court To Deny Appeal
Attorneys for Montana Supreme Court administrator Beth McLaughlin are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to deny an appeal from the Montana Legislature after the state Supreme Court found lawmakers overstepped their authority when they subpoenaed judicial branch records. Lawmakers argue the justices violated their due process rights in their ruling...
Senator Daines Highlights Concerns With Interior Department’s Role In 30×30 Plan
The Biden Administrations 30×30 plan to conserve 30% of U.S. land use has been welcomed by the environmental community while landowners, producers and other groups believe it would be federal overreach. During a recent Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing Senator Steve Daines highlighted a recent push to the Department of Interi...
Montana Tech Industries Investing In Communities To Attract Workers
Montana’s hi-tech industry is one of, if not, the fastest growing sectors of Montana’s economy but with this growth comes challenges on how to hire enough skilled workers amidst housing shortages across the state. Christina Henderson is the Executive Director for the Montana Business Alliance and shared on Voices of Montana how tech companies ...