Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
We're working to fix a technical issue causing problems with our broadcasts. We'll have it resolved as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Montana politics, elections and legislative news

Projected State Budget Cuts Raise Legal, Constitutional Concerns

Legislative Fiscal Division

An independent analysis of Montana’s budget deficitwas released today. A legislative committee is set to review proposed cuts to the state’s budget next week.

The analysis of Governor Steve Bullock’s proposed reductions to state spending was written by the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Division.

It raises potential legal and constitutional concerns about how state agencies will operate if the $330 million in cuts Bullock proposed are made.

Bullock is required by law to cut government spending if there is a projected deficit in the state’s general fund.

The budget that legislators passed and that Governor Steve Bullock signed this spring needs to be cut because of an expensive fire season and state revenues coming in far lower than lawmakers predicted.

State Budget Director Dan Villa announced the possible cuts last month:

“At this point, we can’t exclude any expenditure from consideration," Villa said. 

On Wednesday and Thursday the Legislative Fiscal Committee will take up the proposed budget reductions.

It outlines a $105 million cut to the state health department, $42 million dollar cut to higher education, and a $40 million cut to the state corrections department.

The committee hearing will be lawmakers’ and the public’s final opportunity to make recommendations on the reductions to state spending before the governor makes the cuts final.

Corin Cates-Carney manages MTPR’s daily and long-term news projects. After spending more than five years living and reporting across Western and Central Montana, he became news director in early 2020.
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information
Related Content