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Montana Politics Latest
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Gov. Gianforte ups salaries for cabinet directors
Most state agency directors appointed by Gov. Greg Gianforte are getting paid at substantially higher salaries than their predecessors under the Bullock administration – some as much as 46 percent more.Montana House advances bill to compensate wrongly-convicted people
The Montana House has given initial approval to a bill that would provide compensation for people who have been wrongly convicted and imprisoned.MT Dems proposing bigger tax cuts for low-income homeowners
While Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte has made tax cuts a centerpiece of his overall state budget, minority Democrats at the Legislature are drawing up their own tax-cut plans – including a bigger proposed break for property taxpayers.MT House panel pushes through abortion, transgender bills
In a series of early-morning votes Thursday, a Republican-controlled committee at the Montana Legislature advanced five bills that would restrict or further regulate abortion and transgender athletes in the state.No significant demonstrations at MT Capitol for inauguration
The Montana Department of Administration reported no significant organized demonstrations at the Capitol, and for most of the day, no one was making any political displays outside the building.Daines and Tester anticipate U.S. Senate under Democrats and President Biden
Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines said they’re still waiting to see what the power-sharing agreement will be in the 50-50 Senate – and whether cooperation will overshadow partisan disagreement on Biden’s agenda.Anti-abortion bills get first hearing – and, maybe, path to passage
Two bills restricting abortion in Montana had their first hearings Tuesday at the 2021 Montana Legislature, with the usual for-and-against arguments – but, this time, with a new undercurrent: They might actually become law.Covid liability-protection bill sails through MT Senate
A bill designed to protect Montana businesses and other entities from “frivolous lawsuits” related to Covid-19 – and which is also a top priority for Gov. Greg Gianforte -- sailed through the state Senate Monday.MT lawmakers discuss bills on transgender athletes and gender transition
Montana lawmakers held a lengthy hearing Monday on a pair of bills that would create new restrictions around transgender youth.MT House panel advances bill to compensate people who were wrongfully imprisoned
Under the bill, people who’ve been convicted and then later exonerated can file a claim in state District Court.Bill would let elected leaders review local health orders
Montana lawmakers heard extensive testimony Thursday on a bill that seeks to give elected officials authority to review orders from local boards of health and health officers.Minority Democrats outline top priorities for 2021 session
Democrats may be in the minority at the Montana Legislature, but they’re still pushing forth their top priorities, which are focused on health care costs, coverage and employment. -
Who directly benefits from Gianforte tax cuts?
A closer look at the package reveals the biggest direct beneficiaries: Wealthier individual income-taxpayers, about 4,100 small and mid-sized businesses and an as-yet-unknown number of lower-income property owners and renters.Gianforte lifts statewide COVID-19 capacity and hour restrictions for businesses
Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Wednesday that he is making big changes to the state’s COVID-19 directives – including lifting statewide restrictions on some businesses’ operating hours and capacity.MT House Republicans advance bill allowing guns on state campuses
On a party-line vote with Republicans in favor, the Montana House Wednesday endorsed a bill that would allow students and other private citizens to possess or carry firearms on Montana’s college campuses.Governor will provide update on Montana's response to COVID-19
The statewide death toll since the pandemic began has now reached 1,069.Tester, Daines trade barbs over GOP challenge to election results
Lawmakers discuss bill to limit governor's power in disasters
Montana lawmakers heard testimony Tuesday on a bill that would put limits on the governor’s powers during an extended emergency – a response to the orders the previous governor put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.MT House not yet approving funding for marijuana sale preps
Last week, Montana lawmakers decided not to approve a state agency’s request for more than $1 million to help prepare for recreational marijuana sales. However, that is likely only a first step as the Legislature deals with the broader issues around legalization.Montana House committee advances gun-rights bill after amendments
A Montana legislative committee has advanced a bill that would expand where and how people can carry firearms.