Governor names 2017 Montana highlights
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From the office of Governor Steve Bullock
HELENA — As 2017 comes to an end, this year in review highlights bipartisan progress by Governor Bullock and his administration to keep Montana moving forward. While not without challenges, including the most expensive fire season on record and a special session to balance the state’s budget, Montanans can be pleased with new opportunities to strengthen our growing economy, increase access to public lands, ensure a quality education for students, and improve health care.
Highlights include Montana has the fastest growing manufacturing sector in the nation. We have the best in the west lands and access. Montana’s unemployment rate is 4 percent and wages are growing at the fourth highest rate in the nation. Our state holds a AA sterling bond rating and we are top graded for policies that foster outdoor recreation and strengthen our outdoor economy. There is a 30 percent increase in apprenticeships in Montana since 2013. “Montana businesses, workers and communities continue to reap the benefits of our strong economy. More folks are working than ever before in our state’s history, wages are on the rise, and we’re doing everything we can do (to) ensure employers have access to a highly-skilled and trained workforce.”
This information comes from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry 2017 Labor Day Repot, Center for Wester Priorities’ Wester States Conservation Scorecard, Center for American and Policy Men, S&P Global Ratings.
