With employees working remotely, Office of Public Instruction consolidates
A “For Lease” sign outside one of OPI’s Helena offices signals the agency’s continued accommodation of telework. It also sheds light on one of the long-term impacts of the pandemic on state government — its changing workspace needs.
Latest Government Reporting
OPI reports on staffing vacancies and hiring challenges
Montana’s Office of Public Instruction reported to the Board of Public Education this week that the agency currently has nearly 25 vacant positions, 15 of which are in various stages of recruitment. But OPI said it faces challenges in finding new hires, and its assessment of staffing levels drew a critical response from key public…
Election officials caution against rushed software rollout
Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen is eyeing a rollout of Montana’s new statewide election system in January. But county officials say that due to ongoing development and a missed testing window in November, switching systems next year is too much and too fast, and could threaten the integrity of Montana elections.
“Termination Report” sheds light on turnover at OPI
Records obtained by Montana Free Press this week show that 180 employees have left the Office of Public Instruction since Superintendent Elsie Arntzen first took office. The number sheds new light on criticism and concern about loss of expertise at the agency charged with overseeing Montana’s public school system.
No shouting. No name calling. Just local Montana reporters working for you.
Sign up for our free weekday newsletter.
MORE GOVERNMENT REPORTING
Overcharge lawsuit against SOS underscores legislative concerns
On Sept. 1, seven Montana businesses sued Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen over an alleged software flaw that resulted in duplicate filing fees. But concern about the state’s online-only business filing system dates back to a debate in the 2019 Legislature.
DPHHS director spells out sweeping reorganization for lawmakers
In testimony before lawmakers on the interim budget committee that oversees DPHHS, Director Adam Meier said the organizational changes are meant to increase efficiency and improve communications with external stakeholders.
State revises marijuana advertising rules
Under the new rules, dispensaries will be able to promote their business via advertising and market their brand. However, dispensaries may not specifically advertise marijuana products except in online ads. The state has also eliminated what some dispensary owners believe was a burdensome set of rules that would have required dispensaries and other marijuana-related businesses…
Gianforte budget director to step down after nine months
The governor’s office said Tuesday that Budget Director Kurt Alme is resigning to alleviate the strain of routine commuting to Helena from his home in Billings. His replacement will be longtime lawmaker Ryan Osmundson, R-Buffalo.
Knudsen joins trans lawsuits in Tennessee and Arkansas
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has joined a Tennessee lawsuit challenging federal anti-discrimination protections for transgender student athletes. It’s not the first time he’s signed on to support out-of-state litigation involving trans rights this summer.
Federal spending drives Montana budget
Montana lawmakers approved $16 billion in spending this year. More than half is coming from federal coffers.
Empower your community.
Power the Press!
Fuel the future of independent, public-powered news in Montana. Help us reach our end-of-the-year goal so we can cover more of the stories in more places.
MORE GOVERNMENT REPORTING
How Austin Knudsen is flipping the script of attorney general
Montana Free Press interviewed more than a dozen former Department of Justice attorneys and legal observers. Some described Knudsen’s actions toward the judiciary as “breathtaking” and “embarrassing” for the legal profession. Others said the office’s tactics seem intentionally designed to undermine Montana’s democratic institutions. Knudsen says he’s doing what voters expect of him.
The Session podcast
What we’re looking forward to in week 17 of the Montana Legislature: last-minute legislation and maneuvering.
This week in Helena, April 19-23
A roundup of the week’s key action in the 67th Montana Legislature, from a voting rights lawsuit to financial reimbursements for wolf hunters.
Colstrip Sen. Duane Ankney revives part of NorthWestern Energy bill
The Senate Natural Resources Committee voted Friday to revive part of a controversial bill that sought to guarantee regulated utility monopolies like NorthWestern Energy a rate of return on new coal-fired power by weakening the Public Service Commission’s oversight.
Trans athlete restriction bill clears Montana Legislature
Lawmakers on Friday passed a bill, largely along party lines, that would prohibit girls and women who are transgender from participating on women’s school sports teams.
Loading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.