A proposal to squirrel away nearly a billion dollars in state funds over the next few years is advancing along tight margins in the Legislature.

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.

A bill’s price tag can make or break its chances at the Legislature. The governor’s budget office is tasked with calculating projected costs for legislation. Some lawmakers worry that process opens the door for partisanship, and they're considering alternatives.

It's week 16 of the 69th Legislature is kicking off week 15. Lawmakers have been talking about proposals to improve access to child care and teacher pay. This is 'The Session', a look at the policy and politics inside the Montana statehouse.

Lawmakers rejected the second of two bills seeking to expand the state’s childcare scholarship program, Best Beginnings.

An alliance of the Democratic minority and a small group of Republicans is flexing its power in crafting the $16 billion state budget. The spending package is moving forward despite most Republicans voting against it.

Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez bring their "Fight Oligarchy" tour to Missoula, and their populist message has a familiar ring. Republican leaders criticize the tour as being out of touch with Americans' real concerns. Lawmakers continue to grapple with how best to keep a campaign promise to lower your property taxes.

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.

Gov. Greg Gianforte was in Butte Wednesday to tout his Administration's efforts to construct new affordable housing. He also called on lawmakers to allocate $100 million to build more homes.

Montana’s cannabis industry has surpassed $1 billion in total sales since recreational marijuana was legalized in 2022. Lawmakers this week approved new limits on dispensary numbers.