Montana reports $84.1 million in hunting and fishing license tax revenue in 2024
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Survey of State Government Tax Collections, Montana generated $4.7 billion in tax revenue in 2024. Of that total, $84.1 million came from hunting and fishing license taxes. The Census Bureau notes that state and local governments collect a wide range of taxes to fund public programs and services.
‘Flunking’: Audit of Secretary of State’s Office shows misstatements, lack of management
A new audit report from the Legislative Audit Division says ongoing accounting problems at Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen’s office are so severe that the agency’s 2023 financial statements cannot be relied upon. The report adds that 2024 statements can only be trusted with significant explanation. Jacobsen did not appear before the committee Thursday, and Deputy Secretary of State Angela Nunn did not explain her absence.
How the new $6,000 senior tax deduction could impact older Americans
A new $6,000 tax deduction for Americans age 65 and older could boost refunds for millions of older taxpayers, putting an average of about $670 more in their pockets this year. According to AARP Montana, some could see significantly larger savings. Taxpayers in the 22% tax bracket—roughly those earning between $44,000 and the deduction’s $75,000 income cap—could save as much as $1,320 per person.
Trump administration reverses itself, restores $2 billion in mental health, substance abuse grants
Less than 24 hours after terminating about $2 billion in substance abuse and mental health grants, the Trump administration reversed course this week and restored the funding. In an email to the Montana State Health Department, federal officials directed the state to “disregard” the previous notification canceling the grants. The email did not provide an explanation for the reversal.
Sen. Daines touts expanded firefighting, national park funding amid $5B minibus cuts
Senator Steve Daines is highlighting what he calls “Montana-specific priorities” in a recently passed $78 billion, three-bill spending package. The legislation includes funding for expanded firefighting efforts, national parks, and other services. It also includes approximately $5 billion in overall spending reductions compared to the previous fiscal year.
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A majority of Logan Health primary care providers have voted to unionize. Physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants participated in the election to join the Union of American Physicians and Dentists. The outcome is subject to the filing and resolution of any objections. Logan Health clinics will continue operating as usual during the process.
Virginia City’s opera house has closed its doors after failing to reach an agreement with the state over a significant lease increase for operating in a state-owned property. Two other Virginia City businesses are pursuing legal action as negotiations continue. State officials say the majority of businesses have accepted new lease contracts.
The North Central Senior Center in Havre will enter a soft closure beginning today. Hill County leaders say the temporary move is necessary to restructure operations following funding reductions, staffing shortages, and rising costs. The soft closure will allow the county time to take inventory, review finances, and rebuild programs in a more sustainable way.
A month after flooding, Libby residents remain under a boil-water order as damages reach $14 million. The order could be lifted by next week, though a health advisory may remain in place for at-risk residents. Several large donors have recently helped cover the cost of bottled water, though each household is limited to three cases.
For the next two weekends, the arena at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in Bozeman will be transformed into a competitive skijoring track for the Gallatin Skijor Invitational. Skijoring is a winter sport in which a skier is pulled by a rope attached to a horse. The term comes from a Norwegian word meaning “ski driving.”
