Senator Steve Daines posts Q1 fundraising numbers to run for reelection Senator Steve Daines has raised $1.2 million in the first quarter of this year and now has $2.4 million in cash on hand. He is expected to formally announce his run for re-election in the next few months. The seat is projected as a solid Republican seat. In the last electi...
Montana’s budget: what the backbone of state policy looks like and how it works A draft of Montana’s state budget for the next two years continues to push through the Legislature heading to its last major round of debate on the Senate floor this week. The current version sits at around $16.6 billion in spending with a large portion going towar...
Montana lawmakers move forward with THC-limiting bill A law looking to limit marijuana dosage across the state took a step forward Thursday. If passed House Bill 636 would limit THC content in edibles to 5 milligrams per serving. The bill is moving on to the third reading. If approved it will land on the governor’s desk. Supporters say it’s a ...
With ‘REAL ID’ a month away airport officials urge travelers to act Airline travelers will be required to use a “REAL ID” starting May 7th two decades after Congress first passed legislation requiring a higher level of identification for airline passengers. People can also use passports passport cards active duty military credentia...
Trump loosens coal mining restrictions as part of efforts aimed at ‘unleashing American energy’ President Donald Trump signed four executive orders Tuesday afternoon designed to make the United States energy dominant and unleash the nation’s energy reserves including coal. President Trump said the Defense Production Act will ...
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 ran...
Fund Rail Line House bill 848 has passed the House and is pending in the Senate. It would create a “Big Sky Rail Account” which would contribute to the estimated $2 billion price tag for a second rail line through southern Montana. Amtrak’s Empire Builder already passes through northern Montana. The 2,300 mile Big Sky North Coast Corridor woul...
Lawmakers consider new financial options for childcare programs State lawmakers are considering new financial options for childcare programs including House Bill 945 which would establish a new grant program for daycare businesses. According to the sponsor Senator Katie Sullivan the goal of the program is to expand capacity reduce wait lists a...
Job market in Mountain West and Pacific regions sees decline According to the latest data from payroll company ADP the American job market showed mixed results in March. The Mountain West region which includes Montana and Idaho witnessed a loss of 12,000 jobs and in the Pacific region which encompasses Washington 29,000 jobs were lost. Overall...
Montana Judge Temporarily Blocks House Bill 121, Restricting Transgender Access to Public Facilities Today Montana District Judge Shane Vannatta has temporarily blocked House Bill 121, which restricts transgender individuals’ access to public bathrooms, locker rooms, and sleeping areas that don’t match their sex at birth. Governor Greg G...
