Gas prices expected to keep falling amidst growing concerns about the economy
At the beginning of the year average gas prices in Montana had increased 13 out of 14 weeks but are now 42.1 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. Monday the cheapest price in the state was $2.95 a gallon while the most expensive was $3.54. Montana is currently ranked 18th in the U.S. when it comes to the average price of gas three spots lower than last week.
Childcare funding bill passes second reading in house chamber
House Bill 456 passed its second reading Monday with no opposition voiced on the House floor. It focuses on expanding childcare funding proposing to extend the Best Beginnings Scholarship to childcare workers employed at licensed daycare facilities provided they meet specific requirements. The expansion carries a $5.5 million annual cost and the bill must pass a third reading before advancing to the Senate.
Lawmakers support public school infrastructure Improvements
Maintenance concerns for K through 12 schools across Montana have lawmakers taking notice after the American Society of Civil Engineers gave the state’s public education infrastructure a D rating last year. The state’s last inventory of public school facilities conducted in 2008 estimated the total statewide cost for needed repairs was then $360 million. The average age of a Montana school building is 53 years.
Blackfeet Montana Senator sues Homeland Security seeking to block US-Canada tariff
Blackfeet Montana Senator Susan Webber has filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration’s Department of Homeland Security. It alleges tariffs imposed on Canada have caused significant economic harm to tribal nations and individuals that do business across the border. Multiple sovereign tribal nations including the Blackfeet Confederacy have homelands that straddle the 3,987-mile divide.
Montana House Bill 185 progresses, seeks to stabilize health coverage for young children
The Montana House advanced a bill Monday that would provide continuous eligibility for two years for kids younger than six enrolled in the Healthy Montana Kids program addressing gaps in health insurance coverage for children. House Bill 185 focuses on younger kids because that is when their development is most critical. The bill passed the preliminary House vote 57 to 43 and awaits the final vote before moving to the Senate.
57 H-1B petitions from employers classified under the Educational Services industry during 2024
The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Last year employers classified under the Educational Services industry based in Montana submitted 57 H-1B petitions. Of these 56 were approved while one was denied.
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The Montana Department of Transportation wants to build a new 28,000 square foot multi-use facility in north Kalispell to store equipment and have mechanics and welding shops under one roof. This evening at 6 the Kalispell Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposal in City Hall. According to the development proposal the proposed project is in compliance with the municipal growth policy.
A special use permit for a new senior-centered affordable housing unit has been approved by the Hamilton City Council. The 23-unit 20,457 square foot development will feature fixed rent dependent on income and the three-story apartment complex will only house individuals 55 and over.
The Bureau of Land Management has announced fee increases across Montana related to rising operational and maintenance costs. The new fee structures are at several campgrounds day-use sites and recreation areas. The BLM has also approved six new recreation business plans to improve visitor experiences.
Marshall Mountain is a 480-acre former ski hill east of Missoula. Both the city and county government purchased the land for $2 million in 2024. Work at Marshall Mountain Park will begin in the next several weeks including getting rid of harmful chemicals in the original lodge building that is eyed for removal.
