Montana

John McCain Gains Another Delegate for the Republican National Convention

February 2, 2008 -- ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former President of the Montana State Senate Bob Brown and Montana National Committeeman Errol Galt have endorsed John McCain for president. Errol Galt's endorsement adds another delegate to the National Convention for John McCain. Committeeman Galt and Senator Brown join a growing number of McCain supporters in Montana including former U.S.    » read more »

1/30/2008 -- (HELENA) – Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer has ordered that the National flag and State flag be flown at half-staff beginning Wednesday, February 6th and ending Thursday, February 7th at sundown in honor of United States Army Sergeant Michael Sturdivant who died while on active duty status in Iraq Tuesday, January 22, 2008.

Source: Montana Governors

Jan 29, 2008 -- Boston, MA – Today, Mitt Romney announced the endorsement of eight Montana Legislators who will form the Montana Romney for President Legislative Leadership Team. This team will help build Governor Romney's grassroots organization in the state and help campaign for his message of strengthening the economy and brining real conservative change to Washington.

These legislators join previously announced Montana Romney for President State Co-Chairs former Governor Tim Babcock and Secretary of State Brad Johnson.

Members Of The Montana Legislative Leadership Team:    » read more »

1/24/2008 -- "Affordable electricity prices for Montana families and businesses is critical to our social structure and our economy. For too long electrical power deregulation has caused our utility rates to skyrocket, hurting both our families and our businesses. I appreciate the fact that NorthWestern has moved quickly to implement the provisions of House Bill 25 and has begun to take action to correct the negative effects of electricity deregulation.    » read more »

January 18, 2008 -- The program that helps low-income Montanans heat their homes will receive an additional $3.6 million in federal funds, the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) announced Friday.

Jim Nolan, Low Income Energy Assistance Program director for DPHHS, said the new funding will allow the program to offer on average $157 more in assistance to the 19,000 households who utilize the service in Montana.    » read more »

Helena, MT - 01/15/2008 - In the face of rising cleanup costs and an increase in mining claims in Montana, public officials, tribal leadership, sportsmen and ranchers today called on Senator Jon Tester and Senator Max Baucus, to reform the 135-year-old law that governs the mining of gold, uranium and other hardrock minerals on federal lands in Montana and other western states.    » read more »

$10 Million Savings for Montana Business

1/10/2008 -- (HELENA) Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer today said that Montana employers may see a drop in their workers' compensation rates come February 1, 2008, thanks to the efforts of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry and the Labor-Management Advisory Council on Workers' Compensation.    » read more »

HELENA – Montana Attorney General Mike McGrath said Wednesday that the United States Solicitor General has recommended (PDF) that the U.S. Supreme Court accept the state's water-rights case against Wyoming.

"This is good news," McGrath said. "This is an important step in getting Montana water users the water they're entitled to."    » read more »

December 20, 2007 -- The Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program (MTUPP) has tapped the Internet in a new effort to help Montanans give up tobacco for good, state health officials said Thursday.

MTUPP is inviting Montanans who plan to quit tobacco for their 2008 New Year’s resolution to participate in an online blog called “I Quit! ‘08.”

The user-friendly blog, found at www.IQuit08.com, encourages tobacco users to share their reasons for wanting to quit. A blog is an interactive web site with regular entries, usually posted in reverse chronological order.    » read more »

December 19, 2007 -- New data showing a significant increase in the Montana teen birth rate for 2006 has drawn the attention of officials with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).

The state birth rate increased 9 percent last year marking the biggest single year increase since 1990, Colleen Lindsay, supervisor for the Women’s and Men’s Health Section for DPHHS, said Wednesday. The previous high was a 3.4 percent increase in 2004. The 2007 figures won’t be available until next year.    » read more »

December 19, 2007 -- HELENA – Community health care clinics around the state are getting an early holiday gift this week, thanks to the settlement of a drug-pricing complaint the Montana Attorney General's Office filed more than five years ago.    » read more »

12/18/2007 -- Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer has ordered that the National flag and State flag be flown at half-staff beginning Friday morning, December 21 until sundown Saturday, December 22 in honor of U.S. Army Private Daren Smith, who died while serving on Active Duty in Iraq on Thursday, December 13.

Source: Montana Governor

Less than 2 Weeks Remain to Apply – December 31st Deadline

12/18/2007 -- (HELENA)- The State of Montana has returned over $91 million in property tax refunds to Montana homeowners so far, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer announced today "But there are still folks who qualify and need to apply before the December 31st deadline."    » read more »

December 15, 2007 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pvt. Daren A. Smith, 19, of Helena, Montana, died 13 Dec., in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained from a non-combat related incident.

He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Polk, La.

The incident is under investigation.

Source: DoD

December 4, 2007 -- By Eat Right Montana -- For many Montana families, the holiday season can feel more stressful than joyful. Stress comes from many directions at this time of year: too much rich food and drink, not enough exercise or sleep and all the rushing around to find the perfect gifts at the lowest prices.    » read more »