Stateline Headlines

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.

Other Elections Besides Walker Recall

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

Western State Reporters Say Taxes, Education Top 2000 Agenda

Reporters from eight Western states identified tax policy, education funding, health care reforms and apportionment of the states' tobacco settlement funds as the most pressing issues likely to be addressed by their states in the next legislative year. Over 50 journalists from Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming repeatedly mentioned those topics during a recent statehouse reporters' conference in Boise, Idaho.

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.

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.

Weekly Wrap: Officials Hope to Dodge Pay Backlash

Top officials in several states took steps to show the public that they, too, are making do with less take-home pay. Meanwhile, state revenues decline for a fourth straight quarter, Oklahoma erects wind turbines among the oil derricks on its capitol grounds and Illinois halts all state lobbyist registration.

Democrats Have Edge in Statehouse Races

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Democrats are likely to make gains in state legislative races this year, but it's a toss-up whether the seats they win will be enough to overtake control of a handful of narrowly divided statehouses, a panel of election experts said at the National Conference of State Legislatures annual conference here.

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.

Race to the Top Could Be Expanded

TODAY'S TAKE: As states rush to meet Tuesday's (Jan. 19) initial deadline to apply for their share of $4.35 billion in federal education money - known as Race to the Top funds - President Obama is seeking to expand the program by $1.35 billion.

Real ID Dropouts Leave Security Holes

Defying Uncle Sam, four states have passed laws refusing to comply with federal rules to make driver's licenses more secure, casting further doubt on the future of the 2005 Real ID Act.

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.

PSC sides with polluters, not public health

Montana tea party protests IRS targeting

Moody's describes Montana pension fixes as 'credit positive'

Committee raised $315K for Bullock inaugural; remaining $52K to go to charities

Does expensive energy serve the working man, Governor?

Names submitted to Gov. Bullock for judicial appointment

Stop starving Montana care givers: Enact HB12

Bond-rating agency praises Montana pension-fix bills

3 companies to offer insurance in Montana marketplace

Governor picks Helena lawyer Motl as political practices chief

Lawmakers can still help oil-impacted region

Bullock to make political practices pick next week

Bullock says 'absolutely not' to Senate race

School choice advocates -- losers at 2013 session -- vow to return with same bills

Bullock’s health-policy adviser takes new job

Montana unemployment down to 5.5%

What's in SB175

Big to small to in-between, school districts appreciate new funding bill

Bill contains $30 million to protect Missouri, Yellowstone, Columbia river headwaters

Coal concerns are widespread

Report: UM, MSU presidents' compensation in line with region

Tally on final budget shows 11 percent increase

Interior issues new public land fracking rule

Montana argues again for ending tourism director's wrongful discharge case

Supreme Court upholds fines for former PSC Commisioner Molnar

Viewpoint: Vetoes mean more expensive energy

Return $160M from Blue Cross sale to businesses

Montana nonprofits for developmentally disabled want rate increase honored

Good FWP planning can help resolve bison battles

Bullock stands up for and alongside women of Montana

Montana Supreme Court strikes order for new Barry Beach trial

Montana greenhouse gas emissions rose 11% last decade

Park County jury convicts ex-legislator of resisting arrest

Montana school officials settle religious preschool complaint

Distributor says Montana's 'sell by' rule for milk hurts competition

Bullock vetoes freedom of religious speech bill

Gina McCarthy would bring strength, pragmatism to EPA

Montana disaster services chief of staff resigns

Park County jury convicts ex-legislator of resisting arrest

Plenty at stake for Montana as farm bill mark up begins

Bullock, CEOs launch `Main Street Montana’ economic development project

Montana greenhouse gas emissions rose 11% last decade

Governor interviews 5 for Montana political practices post

State must respond to epidemic of child neglect

Montana FWP gives tentative OK to expanded wolf hunting, trapping

Schweitzer courts unions as he considers 2014

Bullock vetoes about saving money

US attorney speaks about Montana marijuana investigation for first time

State investment will aid schools big and small

USFS looks at wrong year for cuts

Bullock defends veto of oil-gas impact fund; E. Montana officials unhappy

Proposal for more liberal wolf hunt season draws praise, criticism

Deal reached in Montana university sex-assault probe

Let’s recognize value of Montana’s tourism industry

Projections show Montana growing by 144K people through 2043

Export coal deal stalls as companies renegotiate

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:

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.

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.

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.

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

Montana State of the State Address 2009

HELENA, Mont. - Jan. 28 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Brian Schweitzer's (D) 2009 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, my fellow Montanans. It is my honor to address the 61st assembly of the Montana Legislature or as Yogi Berra said, "I want to thank everybody for making this day

Montana State of the State Address 2007

HELENA, Mont., Jan. 24 - The following is the prepared text of Gov. Brian Schweitzer's (D) 2007 state of the state address: Thank you. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Fellow Montanans, it is an honor to address this Assembly of the 60th Legislature for the State of Montana. Yesterday Nancy and I celebrated our 25th

Montana State of the State Address 2005

HELENA, Montana - Jan. 19 - Following is the text of Gov. Brian Schweitzer's 2005 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, My Fellow Montanans- Thank you and good evening. It is indeed my honor to be before you this evening. It is my great honor to stand before you this evening as the Governor

Montana State of the State Address 2003

HELENA, Montana - Jan. 21 - Following is the text of Gov. Judy Martz's 2003 State of the State Address: Thank you very much. President Keenan, Speaker Mood, Lt. Governor Ohs, Tribal Chairmen, Distinguished members of the House and Senate, fellow elected officials, honored guests, my fellow Montanans: What an ho

Montana State of the State Address 2001

HELENA, Montana - Jan. 25 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Judy Martz's 2001 State of the State Address: Thank you and good evening. It is a privilege to be here before the Fifty-Seventh Legislative Assembly. Lt. Governor Ohs, President Beck, Speaker McGee, fellow Constitutional officers, tribal chairmen,

Montana House Hangs on Handful of Votes

The nation's last unresolved contest for control of a state legislature is in Montana, where a third-party candidate holds a one-vote margin over his Democratic rival and the outcome hangs on a handful of unopened ballots. "And people say 'one vote doesn't matter,' said Tim Storey, an elections expert with the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Montana's New Governor Takes Fresh Approach

Montana Gov.-elect Brian Schweitzer revels in breaking the conventional political mold. He once dumped wads of cash in the Capitol to embarrass a political foe. He has driven elderly citizens to Canada to buy prescription drugs in defiance of federal regulations. His campaign logo this year was a light bulb, the universal symbol of bright ideas, and he likes to boast, Well steal ideas from anybody.

U.S. Indian Schools Fear Funding Cuts

Of the 185 Indian schools in the United States managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the majority -- especially those in Montana, New Mexico, and South Dakota -- face financial problems despite small improvements in funding.

Govs, Media - A Love, Hate Relationship

Some governors love talking policy with reporters, and others thirst for the spotlight. But mostly governors want to control what voters read and hear about them.

Montana's New Gov Out To Ignite State Economy

Several weeks remain before former Olympic speed skater Judy Martz officially becomes Montana's governor, but she's already getting a reputation as a leader who will be a lapdog for big business and industry. And she isn't bothered by it. Martz, the state's Republican lieutenant governor since 1997, says if being a lapdog means she'll help create jobs, then she's happy to wear the label.

Montana Lawmakers Brake State's Speedway Image

After being ridiculed nationally for more than three years, fiercely independent Montana has finally enacted a daytime speed limit on its highways, bringing "Montanabahn" - word-play on the German speedways called autobahns -- to a screeching halt on May 28. Adoption of the 75-mile per hour speed limit for cars and light trucks (70 mph on two lane highways) topped the mid-session deeds of the Montana legislature, leaving tax relief and ballot issues as the major pieces of unfinished business.

Montana's Racicot Thrives Politically By Listening

Montana Gov. Marc Racicot is not a national household name, but he's a big deal in Big Sky Country and increasingly a force in Republican political circles. Racicot's listen and learn approach, which is partly responsible for his soaring approval rating among Montanans, has been adopted by GOP leaders as part of their Election 2000 comeback strategy. And there's talk of a bright future for this key ally of Texas Gov. George Bush if Bush captures the White House. For a Racicot profile, click on

Advice from Schweitzer: Get a Border Collie

Aug. 26, 2008, 2:00 p.m. EDTMontana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, a Democrat in a traditionally "red" state, says there's no single tactic for convincing Republican voters to cast their ballots for Democrats, but having a dog doesn't hurt."There's no magic formula. My formula is a dog; a border collie. He's the smartest politician in Montana. He's good-looking. He has one blue eye. He's got one brown eye," Schweitzer said during an Aug. 25 roundtable with the media hosted by the Democratic Governors Association."His approval rate is 10 points higher than mine," Schweitzer quipped. "So maybe if Barack is listening, get him a border collie."Schweitzer's famous sidekick, Jag, even has his own book. Click here to read more about it. -- Pamela M. Prah Comments

Several AG Contests Still Tight

As their campaigns wind down to the wire candidates for attorney general in 11 states vie for attention in the flurry of higher-profile contests for president, Congress and governor. "Out There" once more rates how vulnerable the parties in control are.

Two States Lead Revolt Against Real ID

Updated 3:50 p.m. EDT, WednesdayMontana and Washington state defied the U.S. government this week, enacting the first state laws to reject the 2005 federal Real ID Act and ratcheting up pressure on Congress to amend or repeal national standards for driver's licenses.

States' Rebellion at Real ID Echoes in Congress

Two states leading a revolt against the Real ID Act have picked up new firepower in the U.S. Senate in their fight to roll back an unprecedented federal overhaul of state driver's licenses.

No double-spacing? No funds for you!

First Dog Jag Iowa's Department of Education punishes state school districts for not following instructions. Michigan's Republican Party struggles with the German language. And Montana's first dog releases a tell-all memoir. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Schweitzer, McDonnell Give Outside-the-Beltway Perspective

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.

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.

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.

Workers' Comp Systems Getting Stricter

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

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.

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.

Court Complicates Campaign Finance Rules

The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the Citizens United case threatens to dismantle campaign finance laws in 24 states, including century-old Montana laws voters approved when the state was essentially owned by mining companies.

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.

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.

Drinking and Driving Legal in Some States

Drunk driving may be a crime in every state, but drinking while driving is still legal in three of them Indiana, Mississippi and Montana -- as long as the driver is sober.