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Governor Gianforte Concludes Sixth Annual 56 County Tour in Montana, Engaging with Local Businesses and Education Facilities

Governor Gianforte Concludes Sixth Annual 56 County Tour in Montana, Engaging with Local Businesses and Education Facilities

Governor Greg Gianforte has completed his sixth annual 56 County Tour across Montana, an initiative that involves visiting all 56 counties in the state. This year's tour concluded with engagements in Broadwater and Lewis and Clark counties. In Broadwater County, Governor Gianforte met with local businesses at the Graymont Limestone Mine in Townsend, which is the largest employer in the county, employing 75 people and producing lime for various industries. In Lewis and Clark County, he joined Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Christy Clark to tour the new Montana WILD Avian Walkway in Helena. This facility will house permanently injured ambassador raptors and is expected to host over 10,000 public visitors and 8,000 students annually for conservation education programs focused on birds of prey. This marks Governor Gianforte's tenth time visiting every county since taking public office, emphasizing direct engagement with Montanans to understand their priorities.

Whole Foods Market Confirmed as Anchor Tenant for Missoula's Midtown Market Development

Whole Foods Market Confirmed as Anchor Tenant for Missoula's Midtown Market Development

Whole Foods Market Confirmed as Anchor Tenant for Missoula's Midtown Market Development

Governor Gianforte Advocates for 4.7% Flat Income Tax in Montana

Governor Gianforte Advocates for 4.7% Flat Income Tax in Montana

Governor Greg Gianforte is proposing to implement a flat 4.7% individual income tax rate for Montana taxpayers, making it a key priority for the upcoming legislative session in 2027. Currently, Montana's tax system is set to have a 4.7% rate on the first $65,000 of taxable income for single filers in 2027, with a 5.4% rate applied to income above that threshold. For married couples filing jointly, the 4.7% bracket would extend to $130,000. The Governor's office suggests that this flat tax could stimulate economic growth, projecting an increase of approximately $525 million in economic output and the creation of over 2,400 additional jobs. However, the Montana Legislative Fiscal Division estimates that a 4.7% flat tax could reduce state individual income tax collections by up to $130 million annually by fiscal year 2029, raising concerns about its potential impact on the state budget.

U.S. Treasury Approves Idaho's Opportunity Zone 2.0 Nominations to Spur Economic Growth

U.S. Treasury Approves Idaho's Opportunity Zone 2.0 Nominations to Spur Economic Growth

U.S. Treasury Approves Idaho's Opportunity Zone 2.0 Nominations to Spur Economic Growth

Governor Gianforte Appoints Larry Flynn as New Montana Department of Transportation Director

Governor Gianforte Appoints Larry Flynn as New Montana Department of Transportation Director

Governor Greg Gianforte has announced the appointment of Larry Flynn as the new director of the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT). Flynn will succeed outgoing MDT Director Chris Dorrington. With over three decades of public service within MDT, Flynn brings extensive experience in leading the agency's operations, finances, and policy development. He has served as MDT's deputy director since 2023, working alongside Dorrington to manage the department's more than 2,000 employees and its annual budget of $1 billion. Prior to his role as deputy director, Flynn was MDT's chief financial officer and Administration Division administrator for 16 years, overseeing critical functions such as accounting and budgeting. Governor Gianforte expressed confidence in Flynn's leadership, stating that his experience comes at a crucial time for one of Montana's largest state agencies.

14 black bears euthanized in Montana

14 black bears euthanized in Montana

Wildlife officials euthanized 14 black bears near Bozeman, Montana, after alleged feeding left them dangerously accustomed to human food and people.

Illinois Lawmakers Boost Film Industry Tax Credits Amidst Academic Scrutiny

Illinois Lawmakers Boost Film Industry Tax Credits Amidst Academic Scrutiny

Illinois has significantly expanded its film tax credit program, increasing the base credit from 30% to 35% on resident labor and vendor spending, with additional incentives for green productions, out-of-state relocations, and filming in downstate or low-income areas. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed this legislation, aiming to attract more film and television productions to the state and stimulate economic growth, particularly outside of Chicago. The enhanced incentives are designed to make Illinois competitive with other major film production hubs like New York, California, and Georgia. This move comes despite academic studies suggesting that such tax credits often result in a low return on investment for taxpayers. For instance, a 2018 study estimated Illinois received only about $0.22 in state revenue for every $1 of tax credit spent. However, industry advocates argue these incentives are crucial for retaining and attracting film jobs and investment within the state. The program has issued nearly $1 billi...

Treasury Department Guarantees $200 Million in Bonds for Community Development Financial Institutions Following Litigation

Treasury Department Guarantees $200 Million in Bonds for Community Development Financial Institutions Following Litigation

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has exercised its authority to guarantee approximately $200 million in bonds for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) through its Bond Guarantee Program. This action occurred just hours before the authority was set to expire on September 30, and followed a motion for a temporary restraining order filed by Democracy Forward clients Inclusive Action for the City and CAMEO Network. These organizations had previously sought a preliminary injunction in mid-August to compel the Treasury Department, the CDFI Fund, and the Office of Management and Budget to obligate awards and utilize guaranty authority to provide hundreds of millions of dollars in financial support to CDFIs nationwide. This development marks the second recent reversal by the Treasury Department, as the CDFI Fund had also attested on September 28 to obligating approximately $289 million in awards, contradicting earlier government assertions that such an action would be "unreasonable" or "impossib...

Montana Implements Modernized Career Clusters Framework to Align Education with Workforce Needs

Montana Implements Modernized Career Clusters Framework to Align Education with Workforce Needs

Montana is actively implementing the modernized National Career Clusters Framework, a multi-year initiative aimed at aligning its Career Technical Education (CTE) system with the state's specific learner, community, and workforce demands. This process involves a comprehensive data analysis and alignment, including reviewing and updating course coding, and fostering collaboration between secondary and postsecondary CTE institutions. The state is also adapting the framework to its unique context, making adjustments to terminology to resonate with local educators and communities, and exploring the development of state-specific pathways, such as one focused on Tribal Government & Leadership. This strategic approach is designed to ensure that the updated framework effectively supports career readiness and talent development across Montana.

Montana Farmers Union and Partners Donate 35,000 Pounds of Pork to State Food Banks

Montana Farmers Union and Partners Donate 35,000 Pounds of Pork to State Food Banks

The Montana Farmers Union (MFU) and Farmers Union Enterprises (FUE) have partnered to donate approximately 35,000 pounds of pork to the Montana Food Bank Network. This significant contribution is expected to provide over 120,000 servings of protein to families, seniors, and children across Montana. The pork originates from Redwood Farms Meat Processors in Estherville, Iowa, a facility owned by Farmers Union Enterprises. This donation continues a food-security initiative that has seen multiple truckloads of pork delivered to Montana food banks since 2020. MFU President Walter Schweitzer highlighted the ongoing challenge food banks face in securing sufficient protein to meet demand, emphasizing the Farmers Union organizations' commitment to addressing this need. The donation arrives as households continue to grapple with elevated food and transportation costs, and food banks anticipate increased demand as the holiday season approaches.

Sibanye-Stillwater Reaches Wage Agreement at East Boulder Mine, Strikes Continue at Other US Operations

Sibanye-Stillwater Reaches Wage Agreement at East Boulder Mine, Strikes Continue at Other US Operations

Sibanye-Stillwater Reaches Wage Agreement at East Boulder Mine, Strikes Continue at Other US Operations

Montana Officials Euthanize 14 Black Bears After Alleged Feeding Incident Near Bozeman

Montana Officials Euthanize 14 Black Bears After Alleged Feeding Incident Near Bozeman

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) officials euthanized 14 black bears and relocated one cub after responding to a report of alleged supplemental feeding at a residence north of Bozeman. Investigators found the bears on September 24 and 25 to be 'extremely food conditioned and habituated to human presence.' Due to significant human safety concerns arising from the bears' behavior, the decision was made to capture and humanely euthanize the 14 adult bears. The single cub was transported to FWP’s Montana WILD facility in Helena, with the possibility of placement at an accredited zoo. State law in Montana prohibits providing supplemental feed to game animals, including bears, as this practice can lead to bears losing their natural foraging instincts and becoming a danger to human communities.