News

Bill being prepared to return $1.5 billion to Montana taxpayers

Friday evening already, another busy week in the bag. I may have failed to mention last week, I carried 2 bills for the Department of Transportation. The first bill I presented to the Transportation Committee was to simplify the reporting process individuals must go through to claim gas and fuel tax refunds for use in off road activities. Summaries of account activity generated by the retailer may be used as evidence of purchases rather than having to produce copies of each individual invoice. This bill will also streamline the process for the department, saving time and money. In 2017, the Bridge and Road Safety and Accountability Act, BaRSA, was passed. It increased fuel taxes about 6 cents a gallon with the promise that 50% of the increase would be sent to local governments. It turned out to be more burdensome and complicated to administer than anticipated for both local governments and the department. This bill reported out to the floor and passed 2nd reading yesterday. It will also cut down on red tape and complexity for both local government and the DOT.

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Grizzlies with avian flu euthanized

HELENA – Three juvenile grizzly bears tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus this fall. The three bears, one near Augusta, one near Dupuyer, and another near Kalispell, were observed to be in poor condition and exhibited disorientation and partial blindness, among other neurological issues. They were euthanized due to their sickness and poor condition. These were the first documented cases of HPAI in grizzly bears. A fox and a skunk in Montana also tested positive for HPAI last year, and the virus has been found in raccoons, black bears and even a coyote in other states and countries.

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Pep band performs

Pep band performs

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The importance of smoke-free housing

Tobacco smoke doesn’t stay next door

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Follow the Green

It’s now been over a year since Montana industry started reaching new highs with the creation of a legal recreational use cannabis market in the state. The industry has proven to be incredibly successful, with reported revenues surpassing what was initially estimated.

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Nasal spray flu vaccine available for county kids

The Prairie County Health Department has received more of the Flumist vaccine that can be administered as a nasal spray and is recommending parents take advantage of the free vaccines for children.