In late 2021, Montana was informed by the Biden administration that its plans to charge premiums to low-income adults enrolled in Medicaid would not go forward and the state had to phase out existing ones by the end of this year. Kaiser Health News reports the state has already eliminated its continuous eligibility for adults. The Biden admini...
Montana DPPHS Addressing Rise In Foster Care Children
A 2021 legislative audit found a 115% increase in the number of minors in state foster care between 2010 and 2019. This week Division Administrator for Child and Family Services Nikki Grossberg told the Legislative Audit Committee they have already made progress since the data was gathered.
Governor Gianforte Writes To Montana Health Care Workers Ahead Of Vaccination Deadline
Governor Greg Gianforte sent an open letter to Montana’s health care professionals Thursday thanking them for their work and dedication particularly during the pandemic and urged ...
Senator Daines Pushing For Leases To Continue In Montana
Despite a federal judge striking down a Biden administration moratorium on oil and gas leases last year the Bureau of Land Management has yet to resume them in Montana. At a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing this week Senator Steve Daines said there is no reason for this
Follow-Up Trucker Rally Planned Near Eureka
The so-called “Freedom Convoy” movement that has swept through Canada over the past few weeks will make its way to the U.S. Saturday where several hundred people are expected to participate in what organizers are calling a “freedom rally” at the Port of Roosville. Participants plan to meet around 12:30 south of Eureka before driving their vehi...
Ranchers Voice Support For Country Of Origin Labeling Bill
Montana ranchers are backing the American Beef Labeling Act which would require beef to be labeled with the country of origin. Gilles Stockton president of the Montana Cattlemen’s Association says that would not single-handedly solve the challenges ranchers are facing. He says in addition the Packers and Stockyards Act needs to be enforced as ...
$35 Million Estimated On Caring Unvaccinated COVID Patients In Montana
University of Montana economist Robert Sonora estimates $35 million has been spent in the state caring for preventable COVID-19 hospitalizations among the unvaccinated. The Director of Health Research at the Bureau of Business and Economic Research said the estimate is for patients who are in the hospital for two weeks though he noted that the...
Governor Gianforte Voices Concern With Council’s Updated Code Of Ethics
The Certification Standards and Practices Advisory Council voted to update its code of ethics for educators Wednesday. It used the word equity meant to inspire teachers to help every student get the resources they need to do their best. Wednesday’s vote prompted Governor Greg Gianforte to issue a statement saying the council’s deci...
Senator Tester Willing To Work With Ag Companies On “Right To Repair” Bill
Last week, Senator Jon Tester announced the Agriculture Right To Repair Act which, if passed, would require ag manufacturers to provide necessary parts to consumers to repair their own equipment. Although the bill’s intention is to ultimately work in favor for farmers and ranchers, the senator did say he would be willing to work with manufactu...
Doctor Highlights Drugstore Treatments For COVID & Other Respiratory Illnesses
Even as the omicron variant loosens its grip on Montana, other respiratory viruses usually reach their peak transmission during February. According to Dr. Nikki Gentile with University of Washington Medicine Primary Care, a handful of common drugstore items could alleviate symptoms of mile COVID-19 or another respiratory illness.