As egg prices skyrocket across the U.S. small businesses in Montana and Wyoming are scrambling to keep up with the rising costs forcing owners to make tough decisions about pricing product offerings and their bottom lines. Egg prices are expected to increase another 20.3% this year from last December’s average of $4.15 a dozen. That is more than 60% higher than December 2023.
Montana voters approved a state constitutional amendment last November that enshrined the right to an abortion in state law. House Bill 316 would essentially put the question to voters again in 2026. The bill would ask Montanans if they support a “personhood” amendment which would confer rights to an embryo upon conception essentially ruling out the use of in vitro fertilization or other methods without risking criminal penalties.
As snow and ice cover the roads the Montana Department of Transportation is urging drivers to be cautious around snowplows. Last week several of its snowplows were damaged in accidents leaving them out of commission for the next winter storm. The incidents occurred because drivers were going too fast following too closely and or not paying attention.
Gas prices in Montana have gone up over the last week according to GasBuddy dot com. The average price for a gallon of unleaded regular is up 1.6 cents now 22.7 cents higher in Montana than a month ago and 3.4 cents higher than a year ago. Right now it averages $2.99 a gallon in the Treasure State.
Income tax proposals take shape at the Legislature. Governor Greg Gianforte is urging lawmakers to reduce the state’s top income tax by one percent. That tax bracket includes workers who earn at least $18,000 annually. Gianforte is also proposing expanding a tax credit for those on low-incomes. Gianforte has said he’ll consider any bill that gets to his desk.
March 1st is the day you can buy your 2025 hunting fishing and conservation licenses and begin applying for permits and special licenses. The deadline to apply for deer and elk permits is April 1st. Applicants have the option to reapply for the same offerings as last year.
Legislation that would ban mRNA vaccinations statewide including the Covid-19 vaccine drew equal parts support and opposition during a recent House Judiciary Committee hearing. House Bill 371 would prohibit administering gene-based vaccines to a human within the state. Violating the law would result in a $500 fine and a misdemeanor charge, as well as the potential revocation of a license.
West of Bozeman a new Home 2 Suites by Hilton is set to open in Four Corners. It will be geared to people who plan on vacationing longer and is one of the first hotels in the area for people staying five days or longer. The 191 corridor could see more hotels in the next decade as a central location to destinations throughout Gallatin County.
A partnership including the City of Missoula will begin creating 89 new homes and condominiums on Missoula’s North Side for those looking for affordable housing. It will use the land trust model in which the buyer owns the structure but not the land it’s on.
MetraPark in Billings is implementing a clear bag policy in hopes of making the venue safer and comes after a stabbing at the venue last March and is also about meeting national safety and security standards. Under the new policy drawstring bags purses backpacks and fanny packs are no longer allowed.
