USDA cancels fresh food program at Montana food banks and nationwide
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has permanently cut Commodity Credit Corporation funding which paid for fresh food for the Montana Food Bank Network and food banks across the country. Around 330,000 pounds of chicken eggs fruit milk and other foods were canceled which would’ve fed people statewide for the coming weeks. The Montana Food Bank Network distributes CCC purchased food to 71 agencies across all 56 Montana counties. In 2024 CCC funds distributed 1.2 million of 17 million pounds through the Montana Food Bank Network.
Governor Gianforte signs bill to renew Medicaid expansion health care for 77,000 Montanans
Governor Greg Gianforte has signed the renewal of Medicaid expansion into law preserving health care for roughly 77,000 Montanans. It renews Medicaid expansion mostly in its current form however removes the sunset so the Legislature won’t be required to consider whether to continue the policy in future years.
Gianforte’s second-home tax faces legislative headwinds
An email sent to some of the state’s most prominent business lobbyists this weekend by Llew Jones the lawmaker advancing Republican Governor Greg Gianforte’s signature property tax relief bill indicates it may be in political jeopardy. House Bill 231 aims to reduce homeowner and landlord property taxes while raising taxes on second homes and Airbnb-style short-term rentals to minimize how much residential relief shifts higher taxes onto businesses.
Gas prices: Another increase at the pumps to begin the week
The national average price for a gallon of regular gas increased to $3.168 today the second straight week that started with increased fuel costs. According to AAA it was a slight boost from the weekend. Today the average price of regular gasoline in Montana is $3.145 for a gallon of regular while premium gasoline averages $3.754 a gallon.
Wireless companies ask for property tax break
Verizon T-Mobile and AT&T are asking Montana lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 534 that would offer them a property tax break if they expand their Montana networks saying a lighter tax load on wireless infrastructure would encourage them to invest in reaching difficult-to-serve rural areas. The proposal would add wireless infrastructure such as cell towers to an existing tax break available to companies that expand their wired broadband networks. In order to become law this year it needs to clear the Senate by Saturday.
Licensure for Community Health Workers
Supporters of House Bill 850 to create a new professional certification for community health workers have told a House committee it would help Montanans get quality healthcare in underserved communities. A community health worker is a volunteer or paid worker with intimate knowledge of their community and of public health who helps support community members and connect them with healthcare resources. House Bill 850 has had its first hearing.
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Flathead County Library trustees are closer to the construction of a new Kalispell branch recently signing a letter of intent for property near the Kalispell Center Mall. Trustees had offered Parkline Properties $2.5 million for less than two acres of land and now Parkline Properties have submitted a $3 million counteroffer.
Missoula County commissioners have delayed plans for a rural subdivision northwest of the Wye citing a need to see more data on water availability and the possibility of additional development in the area. Fire Bucket Meadows minor subdivision would create five residential lots on 20 acres of land. Since the request is smaller than six properties the subdivision review process has fewer regulations.
The Montana Department of Transportation will host a job fair Thursday at its headquarters from 11 to 6 to discuss current and potential openings. It employs a workforce of more than 2,000 people across Montana planning building operating and maintaining a transportation system so Montanans and visitors can arrive at their destinations safely.
House Bill 267 is progressing through the Montana state legislature and aims to revise laws related to driving under the influence by introducing a new crime called “aggravated vehicular homicide while driving under the influence.” The law is named after Bobby Dewbre who was killed by a drunk driver in Flathead County on his twenty-first birthday.
