Becky Beard

How much does it cost to teach a child in Montana, and what’s the right way to pay the bill? That’s the question a group of lawmakers and education advocates will attempt to answer over the next year and a half. MTPR’s Austin Amestoy sat down with host Elinor Smith to explain why finding the answer could be easier said than done.

Montana lawmakers have struck a deal to restructure property tax rates. The session-long debate resulted in a final product that combines several concepts from Republicans and Democrats.

Competing proposals to mitigate property tax hikes are advancing through the Montana Legislature. Lawmakers must soon pick one winner. It’s likely too late to enact any major rate change for this year’s taxes.

More nursing home closures are on the horizon as their financial struggles continue. But lawmakers are trying to reduce that risk through measures that would raise and set standards for the Medicaid reimbursement rates that nursing homes depend on for their operations.

Gov. Greg Gianforte is again asking state lawmakers to cut taxes this legislative session, largely building off work he started in 2021. Some lawmakers are also pushing for more relief for low-income Montanans.

Bills to reform Montana tax policy, support missing persons search efforts and overhaul Child Protective Services move through the Legislature. Host Mara Silvers and reporters Ellis Juhlin and Shaylee Ragar discuss the legislation they're watching this week — along with the schisms between and within the parties that are starting to form.

“Montana businesses are supportive of comprehensive tax reform. CI-121 is neither comprehensive, nor is it even reform. It is a clumsy bludgeon, similar to a bull in a china closet,” the Montana Chamber of Commerce executive director said.

As of mid-day Friday, 1,313 bills have been introduced and at least 267 have been signed into law. This week we’re watching how the Republican majority is…

A key policy in Gov. Greg Gianforte’s plan for tax cuts in Montana narrowly failed in the House on Thursday.Senate Bill 184, also known as the Montana…

A bill that would provide tax relief to telecommunications companies that install broadband infrastructure in Montana is one step closer to being signed into law.