Local News
News from Montana Public Service Commission MONTANA — Recent and current cold temperatures across the state have resulted in higher-than-expected energy bills for many Montana residents. Increased utility company operating expenses for some utilities, including local property tax increases which went into effect January 1, may have also contributed to a recent surge in the prices customers are seeing on their bills. To reduce energy costs, the Montana Public Service Commission encourages consumers to take steps to conserve energy and protect their homes against the cold. The following energy-saving tips could be especially helpful: — Set thermostats no higher th...
HELENA — The Montana Senate Judiciary Committee voted on Feb. 16 on a bill requiring Montana to provide funding for the enforcement of Public Law 280. PL280 is an agreement with the State of Montana passed in 1964 to conduct law enforcement and provide other services on the Flathead Reservatio...
MONTANA — In a recent media phone call, Senator Jon Tester discussed a number of bills he’s been involved with that have a direct impact on the Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribe. The office of Senator Tester announced on Feb. 3 that CSKT would receive nearly $156,937,000 out of the bipa...
News from the office of Senator Daines U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines led a group of his colleagues today in introducing the “Firearm Industry Non-Discrimination Act” to stop the federal government from entering into contracts with entities that promote anti-Second Amend...
News from the office of Governor Gianforte HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC) has selected Montana for its 2023 DON’T QUIT campaign. As part of the campaign, the NFGFC, chaired by Jake Steinfeld, will gift...
RONAN — The Ronan Volunteer Fire Department recently celebrated both active and retired fire fighter volunteers who work to keep their community safe. A closed event, the Firemen’s Banquet invites all active volunteers, their spouses, and surviving retirees to come and celebrate. It also...
News from the MT Department of Commerce HELENA — The Montana Department of Commerce and Carroll College announced today the completion of a new county population forecasting data model to plan for future community development and land-use planning. This new resource is the result of a collaboratio...
HELENA — A bill that would explicitly open much of Montana’s trail network to e-bikes is positioned to clear the House of Representatives following lawmakers’ 54-46 vote to advance the measure. During a Thursday afternoon floor session, House Bill 261 sponsor Rep. Steve Gunderson, R-Libb...
HELENA — A bill under consideration at the Montana Legislature would give cities, counties and resort districts the option of levying a tax on Airbnb-style, short-term rentals if they use the money to give rebates to landlords who rent to local workers on a long-term basis. Sponsored by Rep. Jane Gi...
News from Montana House Democrats HELENA—On Feb. 15, on the floor of the House, Montana Republicans voted against providing meaningful, long-term property tax relief for working Montanans by killing HB 280, which would ensure that Montana homeowners receive a refund when their property taxes rise ...
