Montana Secures Over $300 Million in Federal Funding to Expand Broadband Access
Montana has received approval from the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to access over $300 million through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program for broadband expansion. The funds will support 19 service providers and 32 projects, aiming to connect over 68,000 unserved and underserved locations in Montana. Additionally, the funds will benefit over 180 community institutions, including health offices, schools, police, fire departments, and libraries. This makes Montana one of the first 18 states to secure this federal broadband funding.
Montana Teachers Warn of Education Crisis as Funding Issues and Safety Concerns Persist
Montana teachers from Helena, Bozeman, Baker, and Power testified before the School Funding Interim Commission recently in Helena about a growing education crisis. They warned lawmakers that low pay, inadequate facilities—such as classrooms without heat—and escalating student behavioral issues are driving educators out of the profession. Teachers argued that schools lack flexibility in funding, rural districts struggle with basic needs, and recent legislation like the STARS Act isn’t effectively raising salaries, leaving paraprofessionals underpaid and classrooms unsafe. The next scheduled meeting of the School Funding Interim Commission will be on December 15.
Montana Congressman Troy Downing’s AI-WISE Act Advances with Bipartisan Support, Moving Closer to Law
Today, Congressman Troy Downing’s H.R. 5784, the AI-WISE Act, was reported favorably out of the House Committee on Small Business with bipartisan support, taking a critical step toward becoming law. Congressman Downing said this will help Main Street Montana stay competitive and thrive in the AI era. The bill, sponsored by Congresswoman Hillary Scholten of Michigan, is now eligible for consideration before the full House of Representatives.
