Montana Federation of Public Employees

Republicans in the Montana Legislature passed several new laws this session they say will protect election integrity. Lawsuits from a student political organization and the state’s largest public employee union argue the new laws unduly burden the right to vote.

The Montana Legislature’s flagship policy aimed at boosting pay for new teachers is headed to the governor’s desk. A bipartisan group of lawmakers and public education advocates have cheered the so-called STARS Act. But, the policy is far from a cure-all for the financial issues plaguing public schools.

New data from the state Department of Labor and Industry are spotlighting discrepancies in teacher pay across Montana. State lawmakers met the week of June 17th to discuss ways to improve teacher pay.

Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Tim Sheehy faces scrutiny over a mysterious bullet wound and his company’s finances. New polling illustrates just how close and competitive that Senate race is. And at least one candidate in the crowded Eastern District House race turns his back on Trump.

Great Falls Public Schools office staff said district leaders made no counter offers during a recent mediation session and wages are at the core of the dispute.

Montana’s largest union is backing Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s decision to block a ballot issue that would put a cap on annual increases to a property’s taxable value.

An effort is underway to revive and expand a wide-reaching cap on property taxes that failed to reach voters in 2022. The latest proposal has been stalled by the attorney general.

Montana educators told a committee in the Legislature Monday that a bill proposing a statewide mentorship program would help support and retain new teachers.

A proposal to increase pay for state employees is advancing in the Montana Legislature after unions and the governor struck a deal late last year.

The only joint appearance with congressional candidates Ryan Zinke and Monica Tranel was quite animated. Both have new TV ads out — featuring a snake and a rodeo. And Dems seem torn over who to support in the eastern district race.