The Blackfoot Valley's News Source Since 1980
The Blackfoot Valley's News Source Since 1980
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HELENA - The 68th Session of the Montana Legislature is one that every Montanan can be proud of. Voters sent a Republican supermajority to Helena and the first thing we did was return overpaid tax dollars to you as well as providing the largest tax cut in Montana state history. As Republicans our primary constitutional duty is to pass a balanced state budget. We crafted a conservative budget by keeping state spending below record inflation and population growth while responsib...
ecently, there have been attacks on the 68th Montana Legislature by the liberal media. Claims that the Legislature started a "culture war" or that we "marginalized the most marginalized" really lack an understanding of the times in which we live. First and foremost, our Legislature is the branch of government closest to the people. Citizen Legislators elected by the people of Montana take their values and campaign promises to Helena every two years, voting as representatives...
The 68th Legislative Session concluded on day 87, or May 2, leaving a few key bills yet to be considered. A total of 4,639 bill drafts were requested by Montana's elected officials (1,303 more than in the 67th Session). Between both chambers, 1,698 bills were introduced; 748 were passed at early count. The motion to Sine Die (adjourn), called by the Senate minority leader, pre-empted additional consideration and amendments. Many bills passed by the Legislature are yet to be...
Lawmakers Pass New Statewide Zoning Laws Lawmakers in Helena passed a bill that would allow for mixed-use development in commercially zoned areas with the aim of increasing the state's housing supply. The bill is now awaiting a decision from Gov. Greg Gianforte. Sen. Daniel Zolnikov, R-Billings, sponsored Senate Bill 245, which requires cities to allow apartment style complexes to be built in commercial zoning areas, such as shopping areas or financial districts where housing...
Lawmakers Tout Childcare, Tax Cuts and Housing Reform as Major Victories HELENA – Lawmakers have left the Capitol in Helena after a chaotic end to the 68th Montana Legislature. Republicans, who held a supermajority this session, celebrated legislation passed on education, tax relief and protecting children and parental rights, while Democrats said they were disappointed with a lack of long-term tax relief and immediate solutions for the state's housing crisis. The L...
Republican leaders' banishment of a transgender lawmaker from floor debates in the recently ended Montana legislative session seized the nation's attention. It also overshadowed significant health policy changes and historic levels of health care spending. The session likely will be remembered for GOP leaders removing Democratic Rep. Zooey Zephyr, one of two transgender representatives in the Capitol, from House floor debates. That the ban has distracted from approvals of...
Lincoln, Mont. - On May 2, SIM-MT, a leading medical simulation training organization, partnered with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services to provide advanced cardiac arrest simulation training for local EMS providers in Lincoln, Montana. The training session was designed to equip local EMS providers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively respond to cardiac arrest situations. SIM-MT's team conducted a range of simulations, including...
