Montana Senate Leaders Urge Governor Gianforte to Veto Spending Bills Amid Concerns of Budget Deficit
Montana Senate leaders are calling on Governor Greg Gianforte to use his veto power to rein in state spending. Senate President Matt Regier and Senate Finance Chairman Carl Glimm, both Republicans, raised concerns after a new report from the Legislative Fiscal Division projected Montana’s budget could run a deficit by 2028 if all current spending bills are signed into law.
Glimm criticized what he called unsustainable spending, noting the projection for the 2029 budget year leaves the state below the 4% level where state law would require the governor to make mandatory cuts.
Governor Gianforte has already vetoed two spending bills, citing fiscal responsibility. He stated in a letter that he would make difficult decisions to protect taxpayers. Regier added that the budget issues stem from a coalition of Democrats and nine Republicans who pushed spending bills through the Senate.
Both leaders say the governor’s veto pen is crucial to balancing the budget and avoiding mandatory cuts.
President Trump Announces $5 Billion US-UK Trade Deal Boosting Exports and Supply Chains
President Trump announced a new trade deal with the UK, opening a $5 billion market for U.S. exports, benefiting farmers, ranchers, and producers. It includes $700 million in ethanol and $250 million in beef exports. The deal enhances market access, streamlines customs, and sets high standards for intellectual property, labor, and environment. It also strengthens aerospace and pharmaceutical supply chains with preferential access to UK components.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/05/fact-sheet-u-s-uk-reach-historic-trade-deal/
Today, Congressman Troy Downing was on Fox Business News talking about the latest trade deal between the United States and the United Kingdom and how he sees it.
(Troy Downing game changer)
Senators Daines, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Subject Illegal Aliens Who Kill Americans to the Death Penalty
Montana Senator Steve Daines has introduced the Justice for American Victims of Illegal Aliens Act alongside Texas Senator John Cornyn. The bill would impose the death penalty on illegal immigrants who kill American citizens, aiming to strengthen consequences and send a strong message.
Daines cited a tragic case in Bozeman as proof of the need for tougher penalties. In 2022, Francisco Canales an illegal immigrant from Mexico, stabbed a 19-year-old boy to death in Bozeman, Montana. In March of 2024, Canales was sentenced to 40 years in the Montana State Prison.
The bill is cosponsored by several Republican senators and is expected to move forward in the Senate.
USDA Announces $23 Million in Grants to Transport Hazardous Fuels and Mitigate Wildfire Risks
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced $23 million in grants Tuesday to support the transportation of hazardous fuels, such as dead trees, from national forests to processing facilities. This initiative, part of the Hazardous Fuels Transportation Program, aims to reduce wildfire risks. Applications will be accepted through June 20, 2025, with priority given to projects in high-risk fire areas. The program helps utilize low-value wood for sustainable resources and enhance community safety.
Montana’s Catholic Community Celebrates Cardinal Prevost’s Election as First American Pope Leo XIV
Montana’s Catholic community is celebrating a historic moment as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV—the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Bishop Austin Vetter of the Diocese of Helena expressed joy and gratitude, inviting Montanans to join him for a special Mass at the Cathedral of St. Helena this Friday at 7 a.m. to pray for the new pontiff. write a news headline
Emergency Closure in Effect on Big Hole River Due to Sawlog Fire Safety Concerns
An emergency closure is in effect for a portion of the Big Hole River due to the Sawlog Fire. The portion of the Big Hole River from Mud Creek Bridge downstream to Sportsman’s Park Fishing Access Site is closed to all recreation, along with Fish Trap. Sportsman’s Park Fishing Access Site remains open. These closures are for public safety during fire suppression operations, which may include bucket drops happening in and close to the Big Hole River. The closures will be lifted as soon as conditions allow.
