Government

News from Rylee Somers-Flanagan, Upper Seven Law HELENA — On Jan. 23, the Montana Quality Education Coalition and Disability Rights Montana challenged House Bill 393 (“HB 393”) — or Montana’s new private education voucher program — for violating the Montana Constitution. The bill comes as part of the 2023 Montana Legislature’s concerted effort to privatize education. Masquerading as aid to students with disabilities, HB 393 takes public money out of local school district accounts and hands it directly to private individuals with little to no oversight. It does this by creating a voucher system that allows parents of students with disabilitie...

News from the office of Governor Gianforte HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte recently announced an investment of up to $8 million to improve community-based response services for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. As recommended by the Behavioral Health System for Future Genera...

News from the office of Governor Gianforte HELENA — On Friday, Jan. 19, Governor Greg Gianforte issued Executive Order 2-2024 declaring a state of energy emergency to make it easier for carriers to supply much-needed propane, heating oil, and diesel fuel during harsh winter conditions.  &l...

News from U.S. Dept. of the Interior, BLM  MONTANA — The Bureau of Land Management recently announced nearly $6 million for ecosystem restoration projects in seven western states and Florida. The funds are available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a signature feature of the Biden-H...

News from DPHHS MONTANA — Federal, state, and local health officials continue to urge Montanans to check their homes, childcare facilities, and schools for recalled cinnamon-containing applesauce or apple puree products (listed below) and discard them immediately. Recent FDA product testing sho...

News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks HELENA — Groups or individuals interested in constructing or improving a community fishing pond have until Feb. 1 to apply for a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Community Pond Program grant. The objective of the Community Pond Program is to enhance...

News from the Lake County Democrats RONAN — Come meet with Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers and Senate Minority Whip, Susan Webber at the Lake County stop of the Legislative Listening Tour scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 25, at 6 p.m. This public event will take place at the Mission Valley Senior C...

News from the office of Governor Gianforte HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte today launched a property tax task force to provide recommendations to reform the property tax system and reduce the burden on property taxpayers. “Property taxes are too high. Our $1,350 property tax rebate helpe...

News from the office of Governor Gianforte HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte today announced their private purchase of the historic Samuel T. Hauser House, which they will donate to the State of Montana. The home will serve as their primary residence in Helena. &ld...

News from the office of Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen HELENA — Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen says more than 100 candidates filed for office on the opening day of the 2024 Montana candidate filing period.  “Congratulations to each of the candidates who filed on the opening...