Cover Montana is a project of the Montana Primary Care Association with a federal grant to help underserved communities consumers and small businesses find and enroll in quality affordable health coverage through HealthCare dot gov. The nonprofit organization is reminding Montanans open enrollment for health insurance until next January 15th.
Montana schools have been allocated nearly $2 million in federal grant funding aimed at combating school violence. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has outlined specific guidelines and reporting requirements for schools receiving the grants. Regular audits and progress reports are mandated to maintain oversight and ensure compliance with the grant’s objectives.
The Montana Food Bank Network is fielding 20 to 50 percent in the number of applications for food assistance through the holiday season from pantries across the state. Some Montana families are burdened by the cost of living and this time of year kids will soon be out of school requiring more home-cooked meals. The network has also experienced a decline in donations and income coming in since COVID so it’s had to make some adjustments and do a lot of creative financing.
The Department of Public Health and Human Services is accepting holiday gift donations for Montana State Hospital patients and donation boxes have been set up at various locations across the state. The effort is part of the annual Gifts with a Lift program in spreading holiday cheer to patients for the past 72 years. Give suggestions include winter-clothing composition books handheld radios and games.
Elected officials industry experts and advocates gathered on Montana State University’s campus this week to discuss the housing supply shortage in Montana and if needs can ever be met. The takeaway from the conference was that many strategies are needed including zoning reforms to getting cash to the right places to making projects happen. The event was organized by the Burton K Wheeler Center which holds conferences on Montana issues.
The University of Montana has received a grant worth $11.5 million to create the Montana Clinical and Translational Research Center to improve the health of residents of the Treasure State. It will help to expand opportunities for students and graduate students partnering with clinical operations across the state and into the hands of patients to make for a healthier Montana. The grant from the National Institutes of Health will start by funding up to five research projects a year.
Flathead County made history during the 2024 general election with voter turnout at 89.5% and almost 4,000 more ballots returned than during the 2020 general election. Just over 64,000 ballots were cast most being absentee with over 12,000 voters going to the polls. According to election officials there was a minor discrepancy of seven ballots.
The first virtual meeting to hear from Glacier National Park staff regarding improving visitor experiences will be held this afternoon from 5 to 7. It will include initial ideas for addressing traffic congestion visitor movement challenges transportation and related issues that affect visitor experience and park resources that will be used to inform a long-term plan.
The Billings Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Downtown Billings Alliance and the Montana Chamber of Commerce will host the 2024 Legislative Reception this afternoon from 5 to 7. The reception is an opportunity for Billings Chamber businesses to connect with lawmakers before the Legislative Session begins. The event will take place in the Ponderosa Room at the DoubleTree Hotel.
Helena water rates will rise by 3.5% for residential and commercial users starting in January the first increase since fiscal year 2021. Wastewater rates will also increase by 4%. The higher prices are meant to match inflation pad the capital improvement budget and pay off the city’s bonded debt.
