Montana Free Press (https://montanafreepress.org/author/edietrich/page/2/)
Eric Dietrich is a journalist and data designer based in Helena. He is the lead reporter on the Long Streets Project and also covers state policy for MTFP. He has previously worked for the Great Falls Tribune, Bozeman Daily Chronicle and Solutions Journalism Network. Contact him at [email protected] or 406-544-1074.
The ‘Catch and Keep Act’ — grants for grads who commit to rural careers — didn’t pass the 2019 Montana Legislature. But lawmakers did renew a program helping rural teachers with student loans.
Hard-right Republicans blame legislative defeats on moderate compromisers. Here’s how the Montana ‘Solutions Caucus’ voted on key issues.
Lawmakers funded the Montana Heritage Center museum with a bed-tax increase, but scuttled state preschool and a last-ditch effort to revive the ‘Save Colstrip’ bill
Sold as a way to let legislators fine-tune the state budget, companion bills rankle lobbyists and some lawmakers as they’re used to enact last-minute deals.
Stalled on a 25-25 vote last week, a bill renewing Montana’s expanded Medicaid program sputters forward as the Senate as a redo lands 26-24.
Five expansion renewal co-sponsors defect from a 25-25 Senate vote, with some saying they want progress on the ‘Save Colstrip’ bill.
A 2.5 cent-per-gallon fuel tax increase could help rural Montana airfields with maintenance. Opponents worry a higher rate would discourage commercial flights into the state.
Legistats touts itself as an “objective” measure of party loyalty. But the GOP’s self-described “Solutions Caucus” says it brings out the worst of the political system.