As Mental Health Demand Soars, States Prepare To Cut Services

When the pandemic hit, health officials in Montana’s Beaverhead County had barely begun to fill a hole left in 2017.

Montana GOP: Tax Reform Week At The Legislature Was A Success

This was “tax reform week” at the Montana Legislature.

Senate Acquits Trump In His Second Impeachment Trial; 7 GOPs Vote To Convict

In the 57-43 vote, seven Republicans joined every Senate Democrat and independent in support of convicting Trump.

‘The Great Kansas Tax Experiment Of 2012’: A Cautionary Tale For Montana

In 2012, Gov. Sam Brownback convinced the Kansas Legislature to enact sweeping tax cut legislation.

The Return Of The Zombie Bill

Of all the things that are broken in government, voting, despite what some have said, doesn’t need fixing.

Biden’s Nominees For Labor And Education Move Forward

The panel voted 17-5.

Biden Administration May Reconsider BLM’s Move To Colorado

“BLM’s important mission and the communities served by the agency deserve a deliberate and thoughtful process.”

Gov. Gianforte To Rescind Statewide Mask Mandate Friday

Gov. Greg Gianforte said he will provide a directive Friday that will allow the existing statewide mask mandate to expire.

Land Transfer Bill Gets New Life In 2021 Session

The Legislature is again considering a proposal to ban the sale of federal land transferred to the state by an act of Congress.

Daines Vows To Block Interior Nominee’s Quest For Top Spot

Republican Steve Daines announced during the weekend that he would seek to block President Joe Biden’s nominee for Secretary of the Interior

The End Of The ‘American Century’

Commenting in the midst of Europe’s corona crisis, Austria’s major daily, “Der Standard,” captured at least one European attitude.

New Book Traces The Rise Of The Modern Republican Party

As the second impeachment trial of former President Donald J. Trump begins, the Republican Party faces an impeachment of its leader.

Community College Bills Advance In Montana Legislature

The Montana House passed on second reading a bill to change the funding formula for community colleges.

Outlook For A $15-An-Hour Minimum Wage Boosted By Government Report

The report could help Democrats make a strong case.

Political Committee Truth-In-Naming Law Could Be Repealed

The move has some worried about an erosion of political transparency.

Students Don’t Want House Bill 112

I wish urge our legislators to vote no on House Bill 112 which would require athletic teams to be designated based on biological sex.

Republican-Backed Healthcare Bills Give Montana Families More Options

Montana is facing an unprecedented economic and public health crisis.

‘Zoom Boom’ Housing Demand May Be Here For Years

It hit Billings real estate broker Mark Dawson in a furniture store, of all places.

God’s Defenders Vs. God’s Defenseless In Montana

I contend that believing our country’s Founders clung to a notion of a streamlined Christian nation is historically suspect.

Bill To End Election-Day Registration In Montana Advances

Legislation to end same-day voter registration on Election Day in Montana has cleared a key hurdle in the state House.

Supporters, Opponents Of ‘Gun Bill’ Both Believe The Law Is On Their Side

As a controversial gun-rights bill makes it way through the Montana legislature, lawmakers report concern from a variety of constituents.

Public Lands Protections Could Move Ahead In Congress This Year

They’re also working with a new president of the same party who’s pledged to expand wilderness protections and highlighted climate change.

Education Secretary Nominee Says Teachers Should Be Prioritized For Vaccines

He wants teachers at the front of the line for vaccinations as local leaders debate reopening schools amid the pandemic.

Bill To Create Sales Tax And Remove Property Or Sales Tax Returns

A proposal to ask the voters to limit the state of Montana to two of three sources of tax revenue has returned this session.

Bishop: Democrats Leading Way On Jobs, Tax Cuts For Working Montanans

Last week, Gov. Greg Gianforte, for the first time since taking office, shared his vision for our state.

‘Fauci Effect’ Hits Montana

The University of Montana received three applications for its master’s in public health by the priority deadline in January last year.

Vilsack Faces Criticism Ahead Of Confirmation Hearing

President Joe Biden’s decision to tap the former Iowa governor has angered some civil rights leaders and Black farmers.

Vilsack Gets Nod As Ag Secretary

The Senate Agriculture Committee on Tuesday unanimously approved Tom Vilsack’s nomination to lead USDA.

Plans For COVID-19 Oversight Multiply

Legislation to rein in the authority of county officials to make public health declarations in times of crisis without added oversight.

Doped Up On Disinformation

Just after the sacking of the U.S. Capitol, a friend of mine sent me a typical post found on the MAGA45 page.

Guns Bill Advances To Senate Floor

A bill to expand permitless carry in Montana is heading to the Senate floor — with a singsong “yes” vote from Sen.

Legislature Working To Expand Educational Opportunities For Montana Families

This past week, students and families across the country were raising awareness for expanding K-12 educational opportunities.

Is Density The Solution To Montana’s Affordability Problem?

A Montana lawmaker is pushing a solution called “upzoning” to the state’s housing affordability crisis.

GOP Blasts Fudge For Partisanship During Confirmation Hearings

She faced questions from Republicans about her past comments critical of their party during her confirmation hearing Thursday.

Campus Free Speech Bill Returns To Montana Legislature

Supporters of a bill that aims to protect free speech on public college campuses contradicted school administrators.

American Prairie Reserve Resolves Long-Standing Dispute

A dispute between the American Prairie Reserve and officials in Phillips County has been resolved after more than four years.

Ehrlick: The Fall Of The Committee Of Usher

“We’re not going down the rabbit hole of racism, because there are immigrants from all over the world that are every color on earth..."

Biden Pauses New Oil And Gas Leases On Public Lands

the secretary of Interior would be directed to pause all new oil and natural gas leases on public lands and offshore waters and more.

Bill Banning Gender Affirming Care For Youth Dies In House

Legislation to prevent doctors from providing gender-affirming care to minors in Montana has died on the House floor.

Take That: Hawley Demands Ethics Investigation Into Senators Calling For His Investigation

In a Monday letter, Hawley argued that the seven Democrats filed an improper complaint last week against him and Sen. Ted Cruz.