Montana Gas Price Crack Top Ten In The Nation
According to Gas Buddy dot com average gas prices in Montana are now 6.3 cents per gallon higher than a month ago but 26.3 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. Montana is currently ranked 9th in the U.S. when it comes to the average price of gas three spots higher than last week when prices dropped for the fifth time in 2025.
Montana’s Senator Greg Hertz Explains How President Trumps “One Big Beautiful Bill” Cuts Costs, Extends Tax Cuts, and Supports Montana Families and Small Businesses
Montana Senator Greg Hertz, chair of the Senate Tax Committee, explained the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” in an Op. Ed, emphasizing it reduces Medicaid growth from 5% to 3%, removes illegal immigrants from eligibility, and requires able-bodied adults without young children to work, study, or volunteer 80 hours per month—aligning with Montana laws. The bill also extends the 2017 Trump tax cuts, avoiding a nearly $1,500 annual tax increase for a family of four earning $75,000. It includes no tips or overtime taxes on incomes under $150,000, a $1,000 charitable deduction without itemizing, a $6,000 deduction for seniors 65+, and increases auto loan interest and standard deductions by $750 for singles and $1,500 for couples. The state and local tax deduction rises from $10,000 to $40,000. These changes are expected to save Montana taxpayers about $114 million annually, with federal savings likely higher. Small businesses also benefit from extended deductions and new equipment expense options.
Montana Revives Wood Products Loan Fund with Streamlined Guidelines and Expanded Opportunities
The Montana Department of Commerce has revamped its Wood Products Revolving Loan Fund, offering streamlined access and expanded financing options for wood product businesses. The program aims to boost Montana’s economy by supporting manufacturing, job creation, and rural development. New guidelines include a two-tier structure: co-financed loans for $1-2 million and direct loans for requests under $1 million.
168 H-1B petitions filed by employers in Montana during 2024
According to data provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services via the H-1B Employer Data Hub during 2024 employers based in Montana submitted 168 H-1B petitions and four were denied. 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.
Judge: State owes nearly $100K for case centering on ‘male’ and ‘female’ definitions
Judge Shane Vanatta ruled Monday the Montana Legislature didn’t just pass an unconstitutional law when it supported House Bill 458 a 2023 law which narrowly defined “male” and “female” but also left taxpayers with a hefty legal tab. The Missoula County District Judge ruled the State of Montana owes attorneys including those who work for the American Civil Liberties Union of Montana nearly $100,000.
Montana to launch first teacher apprenticeship program with $4 million federal grant
Forty school districts across Montana will have teacher apprentices in their classrooms thanks to $4 million in federal grants. Monday Governor Greg Gianforte’s office announced Montana is launching the state’s first registered teacher apprenticeship program. It will include 160 registered teacher apprentices and 40 youth pre-apprentices who will start in the summer of 2026.
Montana Commerce Department Awards Over $240,000 to Coal-Impacted Communities
The Montana Department of Commerce announced Monday coal-impacted areas will receive more than $240,000 in grant funding to support critical public safety upgrades and community development initiatives. The funding distributed through the Montana Coal Board will aid the City of Colstrip the Roy Water and Sewer District in Fergus County the City of Hardin and its public schools.
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Land in Beaverhead County managed by Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks is now under Stage I fire restrictions and building maintaining attending or using a fire or campfire is prohibited unless an exemption is made. People may cook on liquid petroleum gas or propane stove that can be turned off. The restrictions at FWP sites will be in place until further notice.
Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its new health clinic Monday marking the start of the first phase of a three-phase project to expand access and enhance primary care throughout the Flathead and Mission Valleys. The first phase will double primary care services and create more continuity of care for other specialty needs. The clinic is fully funded through donations from the community.
Monday evening the Billings City Council approved over $1.3 million in tax increment financing dollars for two development projects that aim to improve both public safety and housing demands. They include installation of pedestrian crossing beacons on Montana Avenue and the renovation of the vacant Masonic Temple downtown on the corner of North Broadway and Third Avenue North.
After accepting $1.3 million in federal grant funds Helena will spend the next two years studying a connection between the South Helena I-15 interchange to U.S. Highway 12 potentially opening more land for housing development. The proposed road about 1-mile long has been discussed for over two decades.
Nearly a dozen rivers in western Montana and a handful of rivers inside the borders of Yellowstone National Park are under restrictions or closures as biologists seek to reduce angling-related sources of fish mortality. Biologists attribute diminishing streamflow to the loss of much of the state’s near-average wintertime snowpack in May.
