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The House has approved a proposal to eliminate $700 million in already-approved funding for public media. If enacted, it would strip essential services and could force rural stations off the air. The Senate will take up the bill next.

The latest news about the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 in Montana.

Governor Keeps State Employees Masked

Montana's state employees are still required to wear a mask when working with the public or coworkers. Gov. Greg Gianforte has continued the requirement for state workers following his repeal of the public-aimed statewide mask mandate last week.

In an email to state employees on Feb. 12, Montana Department of Administration Director Misty Ann Giles announced state employees must continue wearing masks while interfacing with the public or while in common areas of State-owned or -leased buildings. Visitors and contractors in State offices must also continue to wear masks. 

The Gianforte administration sent the notifying email on the same day that Gianforte announced his repeal of the general public's state mask mandate.

In an emailed statement to MTPR, a spokesperson with Gianforte’s office wrote,"As the state’s chief executive, Gov. Gianforte is leading by example by continuing the best practices below to protect the health and safety of state workers and visitors."

In the email to state employees, the Gianforte administration encouraged employees to work remotely if possible. It also told state offices to hold off on drafting return-to-work plans: “A plan will be shared to provide guidance on effectively returning to work when deemed safe by the administration."

Aaron joined the MTPR team in 2019. He reports on all things in northwest Montana and statewide health care.

aaron@mtpr.org or call/text at 612-799-1269
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