Stateline Headlines

Montana to receive $218K in Medicaid settlement with Indian drug company

Montana officials ask judge to dismiss referendum challenge

Montana oil leasing dispute heads to federal court

Legislators left work undone

Bullock signs new child abuse bills into law

Montana to receive $218K in settlement funds from Medicaid case

Regents to set tuition, fees at meeting this week

Feds lift hold on Montana reservation pipeline project

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

PSC sides with polluters, not public health

Names submitted to Gov. Bullock for judicial appointment

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

Does expensive energy serve the working man, Governor?

Stop starving Montana care givers: Enact HB12

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

Lawmakers can still help oil-impacted region

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

Coal concerns are widespread

Montana nonprofits for developmentally disabled want rate increase honored

Viewpoint: Vetoes mean more expensive energy

Return $160M from Blue Cross sale to businesses

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

Good FWP planning can help resolve bison battles

Bullock stands up for and alongside women of Montana

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

Bullock vetoes freedom of religious speech bill

Gina McCarthy would bring strength, pragmatism to EPA

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 must respond to epidemic of child neglect

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Report: 11 States Emerging From Recession

It's going to be a long, hard climb out of the current economic downturn for many recession-ridden states hit hard by the housing crash, unemployment and shrinking revenues. But as the national economy starts its slow recovery, 11 states and the District of Columbia are showing signs of emerging from the recession, according to a new report.

At Least 26 States Spend Less on Prisons

The recession is taking a dramatic toll on what had been one of the fastest-growing areas of state government spending: prisons. A new survey says corrections budgets are down in at least 26 states, with prison officials laying off workers or reducing their pay, eliminating vocational and other programs for inmates and granting some prisoners early release.

States Retooling Laws to Bury Coal's CO2

Pumping air pollution into underground caverns may seem far-fetched, but friends of the coal industry, the federal government and some environmentalists are talking about burying coal-fired electric plant emissions to fight global warming. States have lots to do to make the experimental projects attractive.