Steve Fitzpatrick

Montanans voice mounting concern about the impact of federal budget cuts and tariffs. Montana's governor and congressional delegation don't seem to share those concerns. And the Montana Legislature faces a busy, and possibly contentious second act.

Legislators have voted forward bills on property tax relief, Medicaid expansion, judicial oversight and more.

The 69th Montana Legislature reached the halfway mark of their 90-day session and an important deadline. The Legislature will now take a four-day break before heading into the second half.

Two proposals Montanans will vote on this year would change how the state runs its future elections. Supporters say they’ll combat political polarization and extremism. Opponents say they may muck up our elections.

Montana Republicans met in Billings over the weekend to update their party’s platform. Montana Public Radio’s Shaylee Ragar was at the event and joined host Austin Amestoy to talk about the Republicans' debate on election law, immigration, abortion and party loyalty.

Republican Senate President Jason Ellsworth says he has ‘not been abusive.’

Montana’s behavioral health system will get an infusion of $300 million with the signing of a bill passed last legislative session. Behavioral health providers are still waiting to find out if they’ll receive a long-awaited pay increase.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has removed $23 million in infrastructure projects passed by the state Legislature, claiming the projects weren’t thoroughly vetted.

Gov. Greg Gianforte has signed two bills that pave the way for public charter schools in Montana. Public school advocates have promised legal action against one of them.

Despite threats of a veto, a bill to redistribute marijuana tax revenue has passed a final vote and will be heading to the governor’s desk.