Shaylee Ragar
Capitol ReporterShaylee began covering state government and politics for Montana Public Radio in August 2020.
Originally from Belgrade, Montana, she graduated from the University of Montana’s journalism program and previously worked as a reporter for the Bozeman Daily Chronicle and UM’s Legislative News Service.
Please share tips, questions and concerns by emailing shaylee.ragar@mso.umt.edu.
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A bill that would give power to the state’s top political figures to appoint members of a disciplinary board overseeing the judiciary has advanced in the Montana Legislature. -
A bill that would require private insurance companies to cover a 12-month supply of prescription birth control has advanced in the Montana Legislature.
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Gov. Gianforte created the Red Tape Relief Task Force his second day in office back in 2020. Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras has led the group in poring over the state’s 15,000 regulations on the books looking for places to cut.
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Sitting on a $2.5 billion surplus, Montana Republicans this week advanced a first round of their plan for tax cuts. That included part of the governor’s agenda, which he says was built for Montana families. Montana Public Radio’s Shaylee Ragar spoke with one Montana family about how the policies could impact their lives.
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Roughly $1 billion dollars in spending passed an initial vote in the Montana House of Representatives Wednesday, largely along party lines. The Republican package would provide for tax rebates, pay down the state’s debt and outline cash for infrastructure projects.
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Lawmakers are considering new regulations for the state’s judicial branch. Tensions have been rising between Republican lawmakers and the judiciary since last legislative session.
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A bill introduced in the Montana Legislature would allow employees for health care facilities and insurance companies to abstain from participating in cases they morally object to. Opponents worry it will lead to discrimination.
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A policy to restrict health care for transgender youth has been revived in the Montana Legislature after failing to pass two years ago. More than 100 people testified on the merits of the bill during a marathon hearing Friday.
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Groups suing the state over restrictions barring birth certificate amendments are asking a district court to hold the state health department in civil contempt.
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A bill aimed at removing protections for abortion access in Montana has advanced through the state Senate.
