A trial date has been set in a lawsuit initially filed nearly two years ago by 16 Montanans, who at that time were between the ages of 2 and 18, against the state government over concerns of policies they say favor fossil fuels and lead to climate change. The trial is set for February 6th 2023 in Lewis and Clark County District Court. The plai...
Property Experts Predict Mass Housing Developments Across Montana
Despite rising populations and a need for more housing across Montana many communities are bullish on mass developments in city centers while others worry about expanding city limits. Butte-based land use attorney Abigail St. Lawrence argues that Montana communities are going to have to embrace change one way or another.
Montana Taking Proposals To Expand Broadband Access
The state is now accepting applications for up to $266 million in ConnectMT funds to expand access to reliable broadband and close the digital divide throughout Montana. The program will conduct a series of informational webinars beginning Thursday to support applicants through the submission process. Applications are due April 8th. About 1 in...
Helena Clinician Addresses Pandemic Effects On Perception
If you’re having trouble connecting to what you consider reality due to the ongoing pandemic trauma induced changing perceived reality you’re not alone. Daniel Champer is a clinical director at Intermountain Children’s Home in Helena who explained the nature of these little traumas we’re experiencing recently on Voices of Montana.
New State Website Launched To Attract Out-Of-State Health Care Workers
The website CareInMontana.com was launched Monday. It invites qualified health care providers to move to Montana. Participating employers can offer new employees reimbursement of up to $12,500 for moving expenses plus an additional 35% to offset taxes associated with the reimbursement amount. The program is being jointly administered by the Mo...
Montana Increasing Efforts To Address Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is on the rise and Montana has responded by forming four regional elder justice councils. San Diego County District Attorney Paul Greenwood has been actively involved with them over the years and recently on Voices of Montana said their approach originated from financial abuse specialist teams across the country.
Montana Receives Federal Funding For Mine Cleanup Efforts
Out of nearly $725 million in federal funding available this fiscal year for 22 states and the Navajo Nation to reclaim abandoned coal mines and cleanup of acid mine drainage, Montana’s share is $4,602,000. The funding is considered key to removing toxic metals and returning fish and wildlife to waterways that haven’t been vibrant ...
Montana Labor Market Still Trailing In Economic Recovery
Montana is experiencing multiple demographic and economic transitions due to a growing population lack of housing and federal stimulus funds. Dr. Patrick Barkey from the University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research recently noted on Voices of Montana how these are currently factoring into the state’s labor market.
Montana Public School Funding Formula Approved
The U.S. Department of Education has accepted the state’s public school funding formula distributed to approximately 400 public school districts. The Montana state funding formula is unique as it is driven by prior year student enrollment and a 3-year average and has specific components that safeguards Montana’s very rural school a...
IRS Ditching Facial Recognition Tax Verification
The Internal Revenue Service will reverse a decision to require taxpayers to provide facial recognition data through a third-party vendor to access some tax services and instead will work toward providing an alternative form of verification. Senator Jon Tester recently came out opposing the initial decision citing privacy concerns and potentia...