Work Continues On Bitterroot Mine
U.S. Critical Minerals made headlines three years ago when it claimed the old tracts on Upper Sheep Creek on the West Fork of the Bitterroot had what it called the highest grade rare earth deposit in the United States. Now the Forest Service just announced the company will be continuing exploration this year at a level that won’t require a full operational plan. That includes sampling and surveying with hand tools and helicopters or drones.
Governor Gianforte Signs Historic $750 Million Tax Cut Bill
Governor Greg Gianforte signed House Bill 337, securing over $750 million in tax cuts for Montanans. The bill lowers the income tax rate to 5.65% in 2026 and 5.4% in 2027, doubles the earned income tax credit, and increases eligibility for the lower tax bracket. This historic tax cut, celebrated at the Montana State Capitol, delivers on Gianforte’s promise to provide tax relief at every income level.
Montana Firefighter and Pilot to be Honored at National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Montana firefighter John Norris Raisler and pilot Juliana Turchett will be honored at the 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend on May 3-4 in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Raisler, who died of a heart attack during training in 2024, and Turchett of Brazil, who died in a plane crash on July 10, 2024 1, will be among 140 firefighters recognized, including 70 who died in 2024 and 70 from previous years.
23.9% of Montana Small Businesses Offer Health Coverage Down From 28.0% in 2009
Rising healthcare costs have put increasing pressure on small businesses across the United States. For firms with fewer than 50 employees offering health insurance has become significantly more expensive over the past decade forcing many to reevaluate or eliminate the benefit. Only 23.9% of Montana small businesses offer health coverage today down from 28.0% in 2009.
Unemployment claims in Montana declined last week
Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Montana dropped last week compared with the week before. New jobless claims fell to 466 in the week ending April 19th down from 478. U.S. unemployment claims rose to 222,000 last week up 6,000 claims the week before on a seasonally adjusted basis. Rhode Island saw the largest percentage increase in weekly claims up by 210.8%. Kentucky saw the largest percentage drop in new claims by 69.6%.
House Advances Legislation to Study Early Literacy
The Montana House of Representatives has advanced legislation that will create a study of early literacy rates in Montana’s children. House Resolution 63 will provide data to inform the next Legislature about whether early literacy intervention programs created in 2023 and 2025 are working. 46% of Montana kids are currently reading at or above grade level. It still needs one more vote in the House before it moves to the Senate for debate.
Legislature passes bill to allow tribes to enter into cannabis compacts
House Bill 952 has passed the legislature. The bill would allow for Montana tribes and the governor’s office to create and enter into compacts to regulate cannabis on individual reservations. Each compact would be tailored to the tribes’ unique needs. Tribes and the governor’s office could negotiate things like tax revenue deals for the state and tribes whether a dispensary can operate on a reservation and how much cannabis tribes can grow and sell among other things.
Montana 2024 lodging tax shows continued growth
The Montana Department of Commerce has released its full lodging tax numbers from 2024 which shows another year of economic growth for the Treasure State. Last year the lodging tax brought in over $62,100,486. The revenue represents just a fraction of the billion-dollar business that is the state’s tourism industry.
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Butte-Silver Bow County is selling 606 acres in its industrial park for $1.21 million to Sabey Data Centers which is planning to build one there and already has data centers in Washington and Texas. Two other data centers including Atlas Power have also proposed establishing in Butte requiring 400 megawatts of electricity.
The Great Falls city planning board has voted to recommend annexation and zoning for a planned single family housing development on the east side of the Electric City. The developer is requesting planned unit development zoning to allow for smaller lot sizes in the hopes of providing attainable entry-level housing for purchase.
The Dakota Place Crisis Facility in Missoula is now officially fully staffed and two of its seven beds are available for involuntary clients. The Dakota Place is a short-term facility for guests referred by hospitals Missoula’s Crisis Support Team and walk-ins and is part of the Western Montana Mental Health Center which provides an on-call nurse and therapy.
A federal jury in Great Falls has found CoreCivic liable for failing to protect a former inmate who was nearly beaten to death at its Shelby prison and awarded the man $27.75 million. The private company that manages the Crossroads Correctional Center in Shelby says it will appeal the decision.
