Montana

12/3/2007 -- HELENA - Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer has approved funding for eight restoration projects in the Upper Clark Fork River Basin for a total of $11,910,769. The eight projects approved for a funding, subject to certain conditions, are:

* $2,111,194 to the Greenway Service District for the Silver Bow Creek Greenway project;

* $2,794,330 to the Clark Fork Coalition for the Milltown Sediment Removal project;

* $988,402 to Butte-Silver Bow City/County for the Thompson Park Improvement project;    » read more »

November 30, 2007 -- Montana Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program officials have been closely following escalating food prices, specifically on dairy products. Since 2006, eggs have increased 80 percent, milk 23 percent and cheese 17 percent.    » read more »

Nov. 27, 2007 -- The Montana State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) director says there is free help available to those in the process of signing up for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

But, the key is to call now to schedule an appointment before all time slots are filled, said SHIP director Kimme Evermann, of the Senior and Long Term Care Division for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.    » read more »

State to Lead By Example, Accepts Climate Change Report and Joins Western Climate Initiative

11/19/2007 -- (HELENA) – At a news conference today, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer announced a new initiative seeking a 20% reduction in energy consumption by state agencies by the year 2010. He also discussed the climate change report presented to him today by the Director of the Department of Environmental Quality Richard Opper and announced that Montana has joined the Western Climate Initiative.    » read more »

November 13, 2007 -- MISSOULA, MONTANA—Rising 2008 Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul was endorsed last week by the Montana Sports Shooting Association (MSSA), adding to his growing list of endorsements from Montana politicians.

"Ron Paul has been a consistent and ardent supporter of the rights of gun owners for 30 years,” said MSSA President Gary Marbut. “We commend him to all thoughtful and concerned gun owners."    » read more »

November 12, 2007 -- State health officials are encouraging individuals who don’t smoke or use spit tobacco to ‘adopt’ someone who does for one day to help them resist the urge to smoke or dip into a can of tobacco.

That day is Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007. The concept is part of the annual nationwide campaign dubbed the Great American Smokeout and is promoted by the American Cancer Society and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).    » read more »

November 6, 2007 -- By Eat Right Montana:

Learning to respect American Indian traditions is a valuable way to improve health and prevent disease in modern times. Traditional approaches to food and physical activity involved children and adults eating and playing together in ways that taught important lessons and provided amusement at the same time. Tribal teachers emphasize that a whole way of living is the path to health and that the healthiest lifestyles combine traditional wisdom with today’s technology.    » read more »

11/6/2007 -- (HELENA) --- The Montana Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs today announced the release of Monetary Contributions of Reservations to the State of Montana, which quantifies a portion of the revenue Indian Tribes add to Montana’s economy. Utilizing 2003 figures, the study measures the level of monetary contributions derived from the seven Indian reservations and the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe to Montana’s general economy.    » read more »

Two Months Remain to Apply

11/2/2007 -- (HELENA)- The State of Montana has returned nearly $85 million in property tax refunds to Montana home owners so far, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer announced today.

"Everywhere I go across Montana, people tell me stories about how they spent their $400 tax rebate," said Governor Schweitzer. "From fixing the roof to new clothes for the kids, Montanans are spending their rebates in Montana, further keeping our economy on the move."    » read more »

11/1/2007 -- (HELENA) – Montana State Senator John Cobb filed a lawsuit yesterday disputing the decision by the Schweitzer Administration and legislature to return an additional $36 million to Montana taxpayers in the form of tax credits on their 2007 individual income tax returns.    » read more »

11/1/2007 -- (HELENA) - Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer today said he is pleased with the announcement this week by Enbridge Energy Partners that the company will proceed with its second expansion of its North Dakota Pipeline System.

Governor Schweitzer met with Enbridge on Tuesday in Calgary and discussed the need for pipeline expansion with them. Montana is one of only two states in the nation to increase oil production in the last year.    » read more »

Baucus, Tester Say That Additional Funds Will Provide A Real Boost To Nation's Rail System

October 30, 2007 -- (Washington, D.C.) – Montana’s U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester today praised the U.S. Senate for passing multi-year legislation that will authorize increased funding for the nation’s rail system.    » read more »

Oct. 17, 2007 -- The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) reminds all parents, coaches and trainers to be mindful of an increasing risk for young athletes: staph infections.

Naturally, scrapes and cuts suffered on the playing field offer an open invitation to stubborn germs that lead to infection. In most cases, antibiotics and other treatment take care of most skin, or staph, infections.    » read more »

October 15, 2007 -- Pharmacies are chipping in this October to help spread a statewide message about breast and cervical cancer, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) said Monday.

The message is direct: early detection and treatment saves lives.

To help celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 129 Montana pharmacies will distribute a total of 30,000 bags promoting the Montana Breast and Cervical Health Program (MBCHP) of DPHHS.    » read more »

10/15/2007 -- (HELENA) – Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer today announced the selection of the new State Coordinator of Indian Affairs for the office of the Governor.

"I have a commitment to Montana's first people – a commitment to bring Native Americans through the front door of the Capitol," said Governor Brian Schweitzer. "Jennifer Perez Cole has the background to make this office effective for government-to-government relations. A true partnership will enhance our ability to help Tribes in Montana grow their economies, educate their children and develop their communities."    » read more »