The Pew Charitable Trusts - State and Consumer Initiatives from Montana

Arizona Pension Challenges

Pension problems, such as those in Arizona, are rooted in simple math, rather than in political ideology. Real pension reform is not easy.

Montana's Pension Challenges

Pension problems, such as those in Montana, are rooted in simple math, rather than in political ideology. Real pension reform is not easy.

Obama Administration Poised to Approve Arkansas-style Medicaid Expansions

The Obama Administration is inviting states to apply for Arkansas-style Medicaid expansions in an effort to woo those balking at traditional Medicaid expansion.

Sequester Cuts at Justice Department Threaten Local Drug Investigations

The partisan gridlock in Washington, D.C. threatens to curb drug investigations in rural communities.

Election Day Registration in the 2012 General Election

In the eight states — Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Wyoming — and the District of Columbia that allow Election Day registration, nearly 1.25 million voters registered or updated their information and cast ballots on Election Day last November.

Rural States Struggle to Reduce Road Deaths

Why some states have a lot of traffic deaths is linked to rural roads, seat belts, drunk drivers and speed.

Montana State of the State Address 2013

HELENA, Montana -- Jan. 30 -- Following is the prepared text of Governor Steve Bullock's (D) 2013 State of the State Address:

Falling Short on Dental Sealants: Montana

How well is Montana protecting kids from tooth decay?

The Impact of the Fiscal Cliff: Montana

Federal and state finances are closely intertwined, and the fiscal cliff’s tax and spending provisions will have consequences for states.

Democrats Win Montana Governor’s Race, Lead in Washington

Democrats have fended off at least one more Republican attempt to take back control of a governor’s office, and likely another.

Republicans Win Big in North Carolina Governor’s Race But Struggle Elsewhere

Despite heavy spending by outside groups in nearly a dozen races for governor, the partisan mix of Democrats and Republicans leading states appeared to change only slightly as a result of Tuesday’s elections.

Best of #StateReads: Michigan Term Limits Encourage Politicians To Go Professional

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Ill. Campaign Finance Limits Remain Through Election, Court Rules

A federal appeals court refused a request to overturn a lower court’s preliminary injunction against a 2009 law limitng individual donations to $5,000, while allowing $10,000 from unions or corporations and $50,000 from political action committees.

Should State Education Chiefs Be Elected?

Thirteen states choose their top education official in a partisan campaign. Some people think that makes little sense, but it’s very hard to change.

Montana’s Oil Boom Reshapes Race for Governor

BILLINGS, Montana — Montana’s next governor must capitalize on the current oil boom, build infrastructure to keep it going and develop industries that will make Montana less susceptible to market highs and lows.

Still Risky: Checking Accounts in Montana

Checking accounts, the most widely used financial product in America, contain hidden risks that can harm consumers. Two of the 12 largest banks nationwide offer checking accounts in Montana and hold 21 percent of all deposits in the state. Here’s what consumers in Montana may be paying.

Democrats Play Defense in Governors’ Races

The race for New Hampshire governor has the hallmarks of the biggest gubernatorial races this fall: heavy involvement from outside groups, a national contest stealing the spotlight and messages that echo themes from this year’s presidential campaigns.

Supreme Court Rules Corporations Can Spend in State Elections

Despite a 2010 Supreme Court ruling allowing businesses to spend in federal elections, Montana hoped to continue its ban on corporate campaign cash. On Monday, the Court said otherwise.

Widening Gap Update: Montana

Montana failed to pay its full annual pension contribution four times from 2005 to 2010. The system was 70 percent funded in fiscal year 2010 and faced a $3 billion funding gap.

Squeezing Local Governments

Cities, counties and school districts are facing a one-two punch: simultaneous drops in property tax revenue and state aid. The blows come even as demand for services is growing. This fiscal squeeze—not seen since 1980—has resulted in painful choices for local governments large and small.

Other Elections Besides Walker Recall

Voters will also decide ballot measures, five state legislative primaries and a gubernatorial primary in Montana.

Western States Wary of Federal Fracking Regs

Representatives from several Western states say draft federal rules on hydraulic fracturing on public lands would stymie natural gas development across states that largely depend on the industry for revenue.

Schweitzer, McDonnell Give Outside-the-Beltway Perspective

Obama Decision Denies Keystone XL Permit

TODAY'S TAKE: A controversial oil pipeline project is put on hold as its route through Nebraska remains a subject of fierce debate.

Minimum Wage Set to Rise in Eight States

TODAY'S TAKE: Workers in eight states will see slightly larger paychecks beginning January 1, thanks to laws requiring minimum wages to rise with inflation.

States Back Montana in River Rights Case Before Supreme Court

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Who owns America's rivers? The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday (December 7) in a Montana case that could help settle the question.

Election Websites: Montana

Being Online Is Still Not Enough provides state-by-state reviews and analysis based on detailed criteria of election websites for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Feds Try Fast-Tracking Energy Transmission Approvals — Again

Previous efforts to speed up approval of interstate power lines didn't work out as planned. The Obama administration has a new plan, but many states are skeptical.

In a Year of Cuts, Some College Presidents Get a Raise

EDUCATION BEAT: Top higher education officials have gotten raises wthout controversy in Alaska and Montana, but a proposed increase in Utah has incited responses from angry legislators and the governor.

Teachers Increasingly Look to Mountain States for Jobs

States that have fared better than most in the recession, such as Wyoming and Montana, have seen a spike in applications from teachers outside their borders.

Workers' Comp Systems Getting Stricter

States are changing the rules for employees claiming benefits as a result of injuries suffered on the job.

Montana Employee Unions File Unfair Labor Practice Complaint

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Public employees in Montana reached agreement on a pay increase deal with Democratic Governor Brian Schweitzer, but the Republican legislature has opted not to honor it.

Children's Dental Health: Montana

Montana meets two of the eight policy benchmarks aimed at addressing children’s dental health needs, one less than it met in 2010. The change in grade is due to a clarification of what state law allows dental hygienists to do.

Measuring Transportation Investments: Montana

A May 2011 report, Measuring Transportation Investments: The Road to Results, found considerable differences among the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Should a 'Green' State Ship Coal to China?

There's a huge demand for coal in right now in Asia, and states in the American West have plenty of it. But more use of coal anywhere in the world adds to greenhouse gas emissions. One state is arguing over whether to treat the concern about overseas coal shipping seriously.

Abuses in Delaware Weatherization Program Revealed

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Delaware's troubled energy efficiency efforts ... a deal to remove protections for wolves ... Iowa leads in wind power and other energy and environment news.

Governors React to Medicaid Block Grant Proposal

HEALTH BEAT: A GOP plan to turn Medicaid into a block grant gets mixed reviews … A new study predicts some big states will pay a huge tab for Medicaid expansion … Raising Medicare's eligibility age would shift costs to state retiree health benefit plans, and other health care news.

Montana State of the State Address 2011

HELENA, Montana - Jan. 26 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Brian Schweitzer's (D) 2011 state of the state address: Thank you. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, my fellow Montanans it is my honor to address this, the 62nd meeting of the Montana Legislature. First, I want to welcome my business partner, the mother

After Giffords Shooting, No Slowdown for Gun Rights

The shooting of a U.S. representative and 18 others in Arizona has done little to slow the momentum of pro-gun legislation in statehouses. If anything, gun-rights supporters face better odds this year due to Republican electoral gains.

Christian Health Co-Ops Cater to 'Obamacare' Opponents

Religious groups that help members pay for medical treatment are exempt from key provisions of the new federal health law. As their popularity grows, some state officials are warning consumers to be wary of these unlicensed operators, while others see them as a welcome alternative to traditional health insurance.

New Year Brings Slew of New State Laws

New laws for 2011 include further state bans on the practice of texting while driving.

In New Year, Seven States to Hike Minimum Wage

Nine to twelve cents isn't a lot, but those small, automatically triggered increases in the minimum wage will provide a modest New Year's present for workers in a minority of states that automatically increase their minimum wage levels at the start of every year.

Montana Has Least Per-Capita Representation in the Nation

Census population figures released Tuesday (December 21) show that Montana will have the least representation per capita in the U.S. House. Republican Denny Rehberg will represent nearly a million people, far above the congressional average of about 710,000.

Going to the Mattresses Over the Bed Tax

Montana and other states and cities from around the country are going after online travel sites for what they claim are unpaid taxes, but court challenges so far have been largely unsuccessful.

Trickle of Democratic Legislators Become Republicans

TRANSITION WATCH: Fewer state-level Democrats are becoming Republicans than in 1994, new Speakers of the House are elected in Montana and Tennessee and other news of the historic shift in power in the states

Alaska's Governor Shakes Up Gas Pipeline Team

TRANSITION WATCH: Alaska's Sean Parnell dismisses cabinet members working on a massive infrastructure project, Ohio's incoming House Speaker calls for Medicaid cuts, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Early and Absentee Voting Erode Election Day Tradition

Polling day at the court house may be a revered institution of American democracy, but it's one that is steadily fading away.

Four States to Weigh Calls for Constitutional Conventions

Every so often, voters in some states get to decide whether to write a new constitution. With Iowa, Maryland, Michigan and Montana set to take their turn next month, some worry that calling a convention amidst an angry political environment could do more harm than good.

Register Your Car, Save a State Park

State lawmakers around the country are debating raising vehicle registration fees to save state parks, which have come under threat from budget cuts. The idea has been spreading for the past couple of years, particularly in Western states. Arizona, California, Washington, Idaho and Michigan have either recently increased fees or are considering it this year. Their proposals have picked up support from both parties, despite widespread objections to raising taxes and fees in a recession.

The Trillion Dollar Gap: Montana

Montana is managing its long-term pension liability well, but it needs to improve how it handles the bill coming due for its retiree health care and other benefits.