The nine candidates in Montana’s new Western congressional district — a jagged ‘C’ encompassing Glacier County, Kalispell, Missoula, the Bitterroot Valley, Butte and Gallatin County — are as ideologically varied as the population they seek to represent. Which candidate can unlock House District 1’s political identity?
Posted inNews
Henrietta Mann, “Native America Calling,” receive National Humanities Medals
Legendary Native American studies professor and historian Henrietta Mann, Cheyenne, was all smiles as she made her way into the White House for the 2021 National Humanities Medals dinner and ceremony on Tuesday afternoon. Following close behind her was Shawn Spruce, Laguna Pueblo, Jaclyn Sallee, Inupiaq, Denise Morris, Aleut, and Art Hughes of Native America Calling and Koahnic Broadcast Corporation, which produces the iconic radio show.
Posted in2023 Legislature
Transgender medical care ban for minors poised to pass state Legislature
Republican lawmakers in the state House of Representatives on Friday pushed through a bill banning gender-affirming medical procedures for transgender minors and the use of public funds for those treatments, the last major hurdle in the bill’s path to Gov. Greg Gianforte’s desk.
Posted inEnvironment
The Montana Legislature v. local climate action
Three bills seeking to prohibit local governments from restricting petroleum-based fuels or requiring solar- or EV-ready wiring are winding through the Montana Capitol, largely along party lines.
Posted inHealth Care
Health providers scramble to keep remaining staff amid Medicaid rate debate
The ranks of community-based behavioral health providers in Montana have diminished amid rising costs, greater need, and stagnant Medicaid reimbursement rates. Now, as state lawmakers debate solutions, providers are hoping just to cover their costs.
Posted inState Government
A small-town reporter’s fight to open Montana’s judicial appointment process
An advisory council appointed by the governor to fill a vacancy in the 9th Judicial District held interviews and deliberations this week behind closed doors, despite the efforts of the Choteau Acantha.
Posted in2023 Legislature
Sober living home operators push back against oversight bill
Legislation to bring a layer of oversight to Montana’s addiction recovery residences faced strong pushback during a committee hearing Thursday, signaling hurdles for bill supporters concerned that the industry operates without consistent safety or ethical standards.
Posted in2023 Legislature
Montana Indian Child Welfare Act gets a Senate hearing
The Senate Public Health and Human Safety Committee heard House Bill 317, which would create the Montana Indian Child Welfare Act and reinforce protections for the state’s Native children by prioritizing tribal involvement in the state’s child placement processes. The bill is under consideration as the federal Indian Child Welfare Act is challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court by non-Native guardians pursuing adoption of Native children and claiming that ICWA is unconstitutional on the basis of racial inequity.
Posted in2023 Legislature
How to claim your Montana tax rebates
Montana’s GOP-controlled Legislature put $764 million into tax rebates refunding residents’ income and property taxes. Here’s what you need to do to make sure you get your share.