Montana’s economy has shown resilience and strength through much of 2021. Between 2020 and 2021 home prices in Montana increased by 24.4% placing the state fourth in the nation for the sharpest increase according to the Washington Post. In the state’s largest communities though there is evidence of businesses closing due to labor ...
Montana Courts Spent 1800 Hours Disputing New Laws In 2021
According to a time and cost analysis of legal challenges conducted by the Legislative Audit Division the Montana Department of Justice has spent just more than $102,199 and 1,803 hours defending 14 cases challenging 18 different laws passed during the 2021 legislative session. In an email Legislative GOP spokesperson Kyle Schmauch said 97.5 p...
Montana Welcomed Numerous New Police Officers In 2021
The year 2021 saw many out-of-state residents move to Montana for a number of reasons, with one being the support of law enforcement. Attorney General Austin Knudsen believes the Treasure State is reaping the benefits of other states who are more critical of their law enforcement officers. https://northernbroadcasting.com/wp-content/uploads/20...
Over 100,000 Antigen Tests Delivered Across Montana
Rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 have emerged as a public health tool that can help keep schools and businesses open. The state has delivered as many as 113,000 antigen tests to hospitals health clinics government offices local health departments and others. The tests are much more accessible for those who are part of Montana’s state-run free ...
State Energy Customers Requesting Investments In Renewables
Nearly 10,000 customers have signed a letter to NorthWestern Energy’s CEO Bob Rowe urging him to invest in renewable resources. Ann Hedges with the Montana Environmental Information Center says there is growing discontent with the utility company’s decision to build a methane-gas power plant in Laurel near Billings. Estimated to cost more than...
Montana Readies Legalization Of Recreational Marijuana
Montana will launch recreational marijuana sales Saturday January 1st 2022 after Montana’s voters who legalized medical use in 2004 put it in the same category as alcohol in 2020 with 58% of the vote. The Governor’s Office of Budget and Program Planning projects $130 million in recreational sales in the new year climbing to $195.5 millio...
Helena Airport To Receive New Federal Funding
More than $28 million in federal funding will go to 69 airports across the state including nearly one and a half million headed to the Helena Regional Airport. Director Jeff Wadekamper on what the FAA’s current fiscal year spending money will be used for. https://northernbroadcasting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/12-27_737.mp3
Numerous Montana Schools Find High Lead Levels In Drinking Water
In early 2020, the state of Montana required all public schools to test their drinking water for lead and they were given until December 31 of this year to take initial samples. Of the Montana schools that have met the state’s program deadline, most of the 560 Montana schools show high levels of lead in school drinking water. According ...
Analyst Makes Case For Build Back Better Act Addressing Montana Poverty
Like many states, Montana is facing a housing crisis. Opponents of the Build Back Better Act still in Congress say it’s too costly. Adrienne Bombelles with the Montana Budget and Policy Center says it includes much-needed rental assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher program, which could help more people find and afford homes. She says ...
Montana Manufacturers Dodge Economic Setbacks In 2020
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic the manufacturing industry in Montana fared relatively well in 2020 and is on track to return to pre-pandemic levels of business. According to a new report from both the University of Montana and Montana State University with the largest sectors being petroleum and coal and wood products it gener...