Government

News from the office of Senator Tester U.S. SENATE — Following a years-long push from U.S. Senator Jon Tester, the Department of Agriculture is creating two new weekly reports to increase price transparency in the cattle market. In response, Tester issued the following statement: “This is a great step towards ensuring cattle markets are transparent, fair, and competitive for producers in Montana and across the nation,” Tester said. “For too long, market consolidation has hurt the bottom lines of Montana ranchers and cow calf operators, and denied them a fair shake. There’s still a long way to go to ensure market certainty, and I’m going to keep pu...

News from the Office of the Governor MONTANA — Governor Greg Gianforte urged Secretary Tom Vilsack of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to resolve anticipated delays in the approval of export certificates for Montana livestock.  “In the face of severe drought affecting the northwest...

News from the Department of the Interior WASHINGTON — The Departments of the Interior and Justice today announced the next steps in implementing of the “Not Invisible Act,” including the publication of a solicitation for nominations of non-federal members to join the Joint Commission. ...

News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks HELENA — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Hank Worsech, Deputy Director Dustin Temple and members of their staff will be visiting regional offices during a tour of the state in August and September. They invite the public to join them at region...

News from the office of Governor Gianforte HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte announced the state will invest federal funds to prevent child abuse, expand the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training program, and provide early intervention services and supports for families ...

News from the USDA The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the extension, through Sept. 30, of the eviction moratorium for homeowners of properties financed or guaranteed by USDA. “The United States is still reeling from a nationwide housing affordability crisis brought on by the COVID-19 ...

News from the Office of the Governor  MONTANA – Governor Greg Gianforte launched a new dashboard to keep Montanans informed on active fires burning in the state.  The new dashboard can be accessed at mtfireinfo.org, a site launched by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservati...

Steve Stanley, who was appointed Lake County’s third commissioner effective Aug. 1, says he’s missed the courthouse since his retirement three years ago.  In fact, commissioner Bill Barron joked during his swearing in last Thursday that Stanley’s wife had called him the week after h...

HELENA — In a meeting today with President Biden, Vice President Harris, and western governors, Governor Greg Gianforte emphasized the critical need for meaningful forest management and the continued importance of aggressive initial attack as the state confronts a wildland fire emergency. “The...

U.S. CONGRESS — U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Congressman Matt Rosendale today continued their push for drought relief for Montana farmers and ranchers. Daines, Tester and Rosendale are teaming up to urge USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to provide additional drought relief and flexibilities ...