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Republican Lawmakers Locked in Battle with State Supreme Court over “Judicial Transparency” As the Montana Legislature nears the close of its biennial business, Republican lawmakers are mounting a case against the judicial branch and the state Supreme Court with accusations of judicial bias and improper record keeping, while Democrats call the inquiry a “witch hunt.” Since the start of the 2021 Legislative Session, lawmakers have proposed numerous bills seeking changes to the judicial branch. Some bills, like several that would have made st...
Montana House of Representatives Advances State Budget in Partisan Vote The state budget cleared another major hurdle in the Montana Legislature after lawmakers in the House of Representatives passed it down party lines on Wednesday, March 24, with all 67 Republicans voting in favor and 33 Democrats against. House Bill 2 determines how much money state agencies will receive from a pool of about $12.6 billion over the next two years. Passing a balanced state budget is the only task the Legislature is constitutionally required to do. But, the...
Lawmakers Hear Bill to Combat Drug, Sex Trafficking in Montana A bill drafted with the help of former Republican state Senator Dr. Al Olszewski would add a new set of signs to Montana’s highways and airports greeting visitors with notice of a reward for information leading to the prosecution of drug and sex traffickers. Senate Bill 333, sponsored by Sen. Brad Molnar, R-Laurel, seeks to break down what Molnar called a “culture of trust” in drug and human trafficking circles by offering $50,000 to anyone who gives law enforcement infor...
Hot off its first 45 days filled with contentious policies and partisan clashes, the 67th Montana Legislature is buckling down to the task of building the state’s budget for the next two years. While the budget is arguably the most critical bill the Legislature passes, determining how much money state-funded programs will receive, the process of assembling it can often be a head-scratching affair. With the budget now in the limelight as lawmakers race to the end of their 90-day session, here’s an explanation of the process of funding Mon...
SEELEY LAKE - As the anniversary of COVID-19 coming into the U.S. passes, the majority of its citizens have experienced an unprecedented period of social isolation. The threat of the virus makes it difficult for certain institutions to be fully functional and for individuals to socialize how they normally would. Local Therapist Kim Heninger LCPC, LAC, LLC said there is an “insidious depression” that sets in over time as a result of extended isolation. This can result in a “void” that needs constant fulfillment. “I don’t want to make a gene...
Despite all the challenges brought by the pandemic, lawmakers in the 67th Montana Legislative Session are wasting no time in pushing through a deluge of bills -- some new and untested, some vetoed numerous times before, but all being considered in a new light with a Republican governor in office for the first time in 16 years. Wednesday, March 3 marked the halfway point of the session and a key deadline called “transmittal.” Any general policy bills not attached to the state budget that have not advanced from the house they originated in are...
Look What’s Law: Governor Signs Bill Reducing COVID-19 Liability, Rolls Back Mask Mandate Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has signed into law a major COVID-19 liability bill, which soared through the Montana Legislature during its first month. Senate Bill 65, sponsored by Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick, R-Great Falls, greatly reduces the extent to which businesses, healthcare professionals, and manufacturers of personal protective equipment are liable for harm related to COVID-19. The bill sets a higher bar for lawsuits, changing the standard from ...
Bills Aim to Reduce Prescription Drug Costs in Montana A House committee tabled a bill in the Montana Legislature that would have limited copays for insulin to $35 for a month’s supply after it drew support from families and healthcare providers who say the price of the drug has become otherwise unaffordable. Rep. Jessica Karjala, D-Billings, presented House Bill 222 to members of the House Human Services Committee on Monday, Feb. 1. “The bottom line is that the price of insulin with insurance has become prohibitive, and often, out of rea...
At its meeting Jan. 21, the Missoula City-County Board of Health (MCCHD), will consider adopting revisions to current COVID-19 mitigation requirements for restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries and casinos. These revisions have been under careful consideration since early November 2020, after a group called Revive Missoula’s Bars and Restaurants – a coalition of about 70 bar and restaurant owners – approached MCCHD hoping to find a suitable solution that would allow bars to be open later at night. The coalition told MCCHD that bars tend...
Wading into a public debate that has grown heated on social media, the House Local Government Committee held a hearing Thursday afternoon for House Bill 121, which would limit the authority of public health officers and health boards, and give elected bodies more power in setting public health policies and orders. The measure is part of a broader effort by Republican lawmakers, telegraphed after the November elections, in response to local health department directives and former Gov. Steve Bullock’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. Opponents t...
Greetings, If you were wondering about current vaccination protocol, the Missoula City-County Health Department has a new web address, https://www.missoulainfo.com/ that will keep us up to date about the Phases of Vaccine distribution as set by Governor Bullock. You can also call 406-258-4636 to get current information. On the website, there is a tab at the top titled Vaccination; within it is a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. At the top of the list is the question-Who will get t...
Governor Steve Bullock announced Dec. 30 the state’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan has been updated to incorporate the new federal recommendations for allocation to critical groups in Montana and an estimated timeline. “As the first phase of Montana’s COVID-19 vaccination plan is fully under way, it’s inspiring to see that thousands of health care workers have already been vaccinated and that it’s now reaching staff and residents of long-term care facilities,” Governor Bullock said. “As we continue to focus on vaccinating those most vu...
Governor Steve Bullock announced Monday, Dec. 7 that the first round of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine expected to be delivered to Montana in mid-December will target health care workers at Montana’s major hospitals. “For nearly nine months, Montana’s health care workers have worked tirelessly to care for the people of this state, putting their own health at risk,” said Governor Bullock. “By prioritizing the vaccination of those on the frontlines, we can help ensure our hospitals can continue serving patients while we continue to manage the sprea...
The Missoula City-County Board of Health, at its Dec. 17 meeting, will consider adopting by rule several or all of the COVID-19 directives issued by Governor Steve Bullock this year. The Board of Health will accept public comment ahead of taking any action. The Board of Health will consider adopting these directives as a rule because they are set to expire when the Governor leaves office next month. Adopting these directives as a BOH rule will not add additional restrictions. Rather, it will allow for continuity of current COVID-19 mitigation...
Governor Steve Bullock announced Wednesday, Nov. 25 that the state’s Coronavirus Relief Funds have been redistributed to provide approximately $13 million for K-12 schools to cover remaining expenses incurred due to COVID-19 through Dec. 30. This includes nearly $300,000 for Missoula County Public School high schools and more than $27,000 for area elementary schools. “School administrators and educators are working diligently to provide educational opportunities for Montana’s students during challenging times – and we must do all we can to...
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) will begin a formal solicitation process for forest restoration and management projects Dec. 1 as it seeks to address forest health and wildfire risks identified in the recently-completed Montana Forest Action Plan. The effort to implement on-the-ground forest restoration and management work across ownership boundaries was boosted earlier this week when Governor Steve Bullock allocated $4.5 million from the state’s Fire Suppression Fund toward the initiative. “This funding wil...
MONTANA - Governor Steve Bullock announced on Tuesday that he would implement a new set of public health measures intended to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Montana beginning on Friday, Nov. 20. The measures would limit capacity in bars, restaurants, breweries, distilleries and casinos to 50%; limit public gatherings to 25 individuals when social distancing is not possible; and require face coverings in all counties statewide regardless of case count. These establishments must also close no later than 10 p.m. with no more than six people per...
SEELEY LAKE - Respective House and Senate winners Mike Hopkins and Shannon O’Brien talked about the upcoming legislative session, their priorities during their time in office and what committees they would like to be a part of during the monthly Seeley Lake Community Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 9. Hopkins is the Republican District 92 State Representative. He said his primary concern going into office was the state’s economy and budget which were hit hard after the lockdown due to a stall in income taxes. The last four years, leg...
MONTANA - Governor Steve Bullock announced on Tuesday that he would implement a new set of public health measures intended to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Montana beginning on Friday, Nov. 20. The measures would limit capacity in bars, restaurants, breweries, distilleries and casinos to 50%; limit public gatherings to 25 individuals when social distancing is not possible; and require face coverings in all counties statewide regardless of case count. These establishments must also close no later than 10 p.m. with no more than six people per...
POTOMAC – When Potomac School Principal John Rouse got the call from the Missoula City-County Health Department in mid-September that one of the students had tested positive for COVID-19, months of planning and policies were put to the test. Following the quarantine period, none of the 10 students or one teacher identified as close contacts exhibited symptoms or tested positive. “We dodged a bullet,” said Rouse. “While I think we have a good plan, I don’t know it was our plan that did it. I think it was because we are small and remote....
As of Wednesday at 1 p.m., Montana has voted to give its three electoral votes towards Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. They received 320,650 votes (56%) versus Democrat opponent Joe Biden and his Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris who received 233,084 votes (41%). So far 468 precincts have fully tallied their votes while the remaining 185 are still in the process. The total recorded turnout was 574,822 out of 752,551 currently registered...
MONTANA – Governor Steve Bullock announced Friday, Oct. 23 the public can now notify health officials of violations of COVID-19 directives by using the Consumer Complaint Form used to report food borne illnesses and other public health and safety issues. “The Consumer Complaint Form will allow citizens to report their concerns about businesses and events that have not enacted the directives intended to protect everyone,” Governor Bullock said. “All Montanans deserve a safe community and healthy environment, and reporting these concerns means we...
Here is how I am voting: Judges, Propositions and Public Service Commission: http://kvs.org/vote/ballot-part1.pdf Five candidates: http://kvs.org/vote/ballot-part2.pdf My ballot: http://kvs.org/vote/ballot2020.pdf U.S. Senator: STEVE BULLOCK has done an outstanding job in difficult times. He expanded healthcare to 90,000 Montanans and kept rural hospitals open, balanced the budget and saved $60 million in our rainy day fund. His opponent takes credit for legislation he opposed, which passed anyway. He consistently votes against Montanans...
SEELEY LAKE – The Filling Station sign on Highway 83 "The days of zombie apocalypse" has been a source of entertainment for nearly 200 days of the coronavirus pandemic. While they updated the sign daily before they reopened May 26, the owners and staff are struggling to maintain their sense of humor. "Even the nicest people have their limits," read the sign on day 176. With all the state and county COVID-19 requirements, The Filling Station is doing their best to follow the rules and serve t...
Thursday, Sept. 24 the U.S. District Court extended the deadline for completing the 2020 Census until Oct. 31, 2020. Even though the Trump Administration has appealed the decision, local residents can continue to use the services offered at the Seeley Lake Community Foundation and through the Seeley Lake Leos Club at Seeley-Swan High School to complete the survey through the deadline. Governor Steve Bullock and Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney applauded the decision saying it will allow more time for a complete count of Montana’s residents. They also a...
