Montana in the News
Montana Gubernatorial Headlines
DECEMBER 2013
Revenue director eyes tax simplification goal (The Montana Standard, 12/7/13)
Bullock, state Sen. Tutvedt tout business tax cut at Helena bakery (The Missoulian, 12/6/13)
Judge rejects lawsuit over districting commission (Helena Independent Record, 12/6/13)
Gov. Bullock talks business equipment tax exemption (Beartooth NBC, 12/6/13)
Bullock: Law changes exempts thousands of businesses from equipment tax (Billings Gazette, 12/6/13)
Critics of state Parole Board, parole system call for reform (Billings Gazette, 12/5/13)
State studies ways to manage federal lands (Billings Gazette, 12/5/13)
State revenue is stable (Billings Gazette, 12/5/13)
Top Montana Democrats endorse Lewis for US House (Great Falls Tribune, 12/4/13)
Lawyers for teachers, Montana argue case over pension cost-of-living cut (The Missoulian, 12/4/13)
Teachers take pension argument to court (Great Falls Tribune, 12/4/13)
Baucus, Tester, Bullock all back Lewis in Democratic primary for US House (AP, 12/3/13)
NOVEMBER 2013
GOP field for Montana’s US House seat grows by 2 (Great Falls Tribune, 11/26/13)
Democratic Senate candidate Adams backs Medicaid expansion initiative (Billings Gazette, 11/22/13)
Ballot measure proposed to expand Medicaid (Great Falls Tribune, 11/21/13)
Democratic Senate candidate Bohlinger calls on Bullock to convene special session to expand Medicaid (AP, 11/20/13)
VIDEO: Selling Montana: Part 1 (Beartooth NBC, 11/19/13)
Local politician Washburn joins ATP fight (Bozeman Daily Chronicle, 11/18/13)
Gov. Bullock backs Walsh in his US Senate bid (Montana Standard, 11/17/13)
Bullock says Medicaid expansion still makes sense (Great Falls Tribune, 11/15/13)
Commissioner expands ‘dark money’ investigation (Great Falls Tribune, 11/13/13)
Castle Rock celebrates veterans with Gov. Bullock (Billings Gazette, 11/12/13)
Gov. Steve Bullock talks tribal language & increasing the Native vote (Indian Country, 11/11/13)
Montana judge considers fine against political group (AP, 11/10/13)
Governor Bullock announces tribal language preservation efforts (KXLH, 11/7/13)
Senate race heats up: Daines throws name into the ring with Bohlinger, Walsh (Great Falls Tribune, 11/6/13)
Former Montana Lt. Gov. Bohlinger running for Senate (Great Falls Tribune, 11/6/13)
Daines officially launches US Senate bid; game on for Montana’s open seat (Billings Gazette, 11/6/13)
Senate race heats up: Daines throws name into the ring with Bohlinger, Walsh (Great Falls Tribune, 11/6/13)
History of state minimum wage (Great Falls Tribune, 11/2/13)
Bullock plans to let partial pension fix settle in (AP, 11/1/13)
Governor wants to see effect of pension reform (Helena Independent Record, 11/1/13)
OCTOBER 2013
Gov. Bullock in Missoula pushing economic development (KPAX, 10/31/13)
Montana public retirees sue over cost-of-living cut (Ravalli Republic, 10/31/13)
Bullock visits with C-Falls teachers (Flathead News Group, 10/30/13)
Governor visits Stoltze’s co-generation plant (Flathead News Group, 10/30/13)
Poll director: Shutdown hurt Montana delegation (Ravalli Republic, 10/26/13)
Montana lawmakers study how to strengthen Legislature (Great Falls Tribune, 10/23/13)
Judge won’t grant Hill immunity over donation (Great Falls Tribune, 10/21/13)
Bullock violated campaign law, deputy political cop concludes (Helena Independent Record, 10/19/13)
AFP-Montana sends petitions to lawmakers (Great Falls Tribune, 10/18/13)
Brian Schweitzer mulling 2016 presidential bid (RealClearPolitics, 10/18/13)
Deputy political cop finds $860 in Bullock campaign violations (Billings Gazette, 10/18/13)
Decision faults Bullock campaign: Evidence shows staff violated contribution limits (Great Falls Tribune, 10/18/13)
State: Bullock campaign accepted 3 illegal PAC donations (The Missoulian, 10/18/13)
Despite Obamacare problems, supporters say interest is high and urge patience (Billings Gazette, 10/18/13)
State of Montana slaps conservative ‘dark money’ groups for campaign violations (The Missoulian, 10/17/13)
Judge Molloy rejects ‘meritless’ claims to ‘dark money’ documents (The Missoulian, 10/17/13)
Federal judge, elections cop drop hammer on ATP (Great Falls Tribune, 10/16/13)
Decision says ‘dark money’ groups coordinated with Montana candidate (Great Falls Tribune, 10/16/13)
Federal judge slams LeFers’ claim to ATP-related documents (Billings Gazette, 10/16/13)
Political commissioner lowers the boom on right-leaning political groups for campaign violations (Billings Gazette, 10/16/13)
A look at ATP’s history in Montana (Billings Gazette, 10/16/13)
Bullock unveils initiative to increase MT college graduates (KXLF, 10/15/13)
Bullock visits Hellgate High for update on dual high school, college credit program (The Missoulian, 10/15/13)
VIDEO: Bullock ‘frustrated’ by national park closures (KPAX, 10/15/13)
Montana’s sole Democratic campaign for House opens (AP, 10/14/13)
Bullock: Montana won’t pay to open national parks (Helena Independent Record, 10/11/13)
Administration officials tout Bullock’s cash management (Billings Gazette, 10/8/13)
Bullock budget director says state avoiding problems amid federal shutdown (The Missoulian, 10/8/13)
Montana surplus keeps state employees from furlough (KTVQ, 10/7/13)
Montana’s health-insurance marketplace still barely functional; advocates say ‘be patient’ (Billings Gazette, 10/4/13)
Montana Democrats get US Senate candidate – Lt. Gov. John Walsh (Helena Independent Record, 10/3/13)
SEPTEMBER 2013
Governor’s task force to attack pay gap for women (Bozeman Daily Chronicle, 9/27/13)
Montana governor: Politics can be made more civil, but will take time (Missoulian, 9/26/13)
Electric Cooperatives’ meeting to feature governor, legislators (Great Falls Tribune, 9/26/13)
Governor makes stops in Sidney (Sidney Herald, 9/24/13)
MSU hosts statewide summit on ending childhood hunger (KBZK, 9/23/13)
Governor: ‘Disgraceful’ that one in five Montana kids goes hungry (Bozeman Daily Chronicle, 9/23/13)
Governor listens to local school challenges (Sidney Herald, 9/23/13)
COMMENTARY: Bullock stays out of political fray (Helena Independent Record, 9/22/13)
OPINION: Legislature needs to take the lead in privacy area (Great Falls Tribune, 9/20/13)
Judge rules Montana campaign disclosure law is constitutional (Great Falls Tribune, 9/18/13)
COMMENTARY: Gov. Bullock: All levels of education help to form foundation (Missoulian, 9/11/13)
Bullock continues push for early education in stop at UM (Missoulian, 9/7/13)
AUGUST 2013
Montana Highway Patrol chief quits, citing ‘inappropriate remarks’ (Helena Independent Record, 8/30/13)
Hundreds rally for judge’s resignation and judicial review (Helena Independent Record, 8/30/13)
Report: Montana jobs outlook good, productivity down (AP, 8/30/13)
Bullock, Daines focus on education during visit (Great Falls Tribune, 8/30/13)
VIDEO: Billings judge apologizes for remarks about rape victim that sparked outrage (KRTV, 8/29/13)
Re-entry task force meets in Helena (KRTV, 8/29/13)
VIDEO: Bullock visit Skyline Early Learning Family Center (KRTV, 8/29/13)
Gov. Steve Bullock stops at C.R. Anderson as part of ‘back to school’ tour (Helena Independent Record, 8/29/13)
Governor visits Ronan invasive species checkpoint (Valley Journal, 8/28/13)
Bullock visits students as part of statewide tour (Beartooth NBC, 8/28/13)
Bullock appoints 10 to gender pay panel (AP, 8/26/13)
Bullock and Tester get first-hand look at Lolo fire destruction (KPAX, 8/22/13)
Bullock unveils ‘Complete College’ initiative (KXLH, 8/20/13)
Montana joining college graduation initiative (AP, 8/19/13)
VIDEO: Gov. Bullock surveys wildfire threat in Missoula (KPAX, 8/19/13)
Consumers get first look at ‘Obamacare’ premiums in Montana; costs don’t include subsidies (Helena Independent Record, 8/19/13)
JULY 2013
AUDIO: Montana’s state-run free clinics sees early success (NPR, 7/30/13)
Many reasons possible why Schweitzer isn’t running for Senate (Billings Gazette, 7/20/13)
OPINION: Wilmer, Bullock wrong on HB12 veto (The Missouian, 7/19/13)
Montana infighting may have cost Democrats control of the US Senate in 2014 (Business Insider, 7/18/13)
Governor tours river cleanup site near Warm Springs (The Missoulian, 7/18/13)
Missoula councilor, others urge Bullock to take up southern Montana rail line (The Missoulian, 7/17/13)
Group seeks Bullock support to expand passenger rail service (Helena Independent Record, 7/17/13)
Bullock hosts Board of Education meeting (Beartooth NBC, 7/16/13)
Bullock lays out broad education goals at college, K-12 levels (AP, 7/16/13)
Education top priority for Gov. Bullock (KAJ18, 7/16/13)
AUDIO: Top education leaders discuss priorities with Gov. Bullock (MRPR, 7/16/13)
Web of relations belies aide’s denial: Connecting Montana’s former governor to dark money (Great Falls Tribune, 7/15/13)
Brian Schweitzer surprise: Not running for Senate (Politico, 7/13/13)
Schweitzer’s decision not to run for Senate is a gift to the GOP (Washington Post, 7/13/13)
Schweitzer decision prompts Dems to look at possibility of running (Billings Gazette, 7/13/13)
Update: Baucus & Tester respond to Schweitzer announcement (KXLF, 7/13/13)
Schweitzer not running, leaves Senate race open for Dems (KXLF, 7/13/13)
Montana legislative pension fix faces many hurdles (AP, 7/12/13)
Bullock reflects on first six months as Montana governor (KXLF, 7/12/13)
Tester at state convention rallying Democratic troops (Billings Gazette, 7/12/13)
State Dems meet in Lewistown, hope to build on 2012 (Billings Gazette, 7/11/13)
AUDIO: Forming a ‘blueprint’ for economic growth, town by town (MTPR, 7/11/13)
Brian Schweitzer’s challenge: Montana Democrats (Politico, 7/10/13)
VIDEO: Gov. Bullock brings Main Street Montana to Kalispell (KPAX, 7/9/13)
VIDEO: Gov. Steve Bullock addresses Missoula City Club (NBC Montana, 7/8/13)
Lt. Gov Walsh aims to spread Bullock’s agenda by travelling around the state (Helena Independent Record, 7/8/13)
Police tracking down sender of package to Bullock (Helena Independent Record, 7/5/13)
Schweitzer appointees tied to political nonprofit (AP, 7/3/13)
Bullock touts Main Street Montana economic development plan (Billings Gazette, 7/1/13)
Bullock on climate change plans: Wait for details (AP, 7/1/13)
Complaint: Bullock campaign illegally coordinated (Helena Independent Record, 7/1/13)
Complaint against Bullock alleges illegal coordination with third parties in 2012 (Billings Gazette, 7/1/13)
JUNE 2013
New boss to sort ‘dark money’ in Montana politics (Billings Gazette, 6/30/13)
Health insurance rates in Montana under ACA: Maybe not so bad… and we’ll know soon enough (Billings Gazette, 6/30/13)
Baucus asks Montanans to weigh in on tax reform (Billings Gazette, 6/28/13)
Fox appoints former law school dean as interim head of new health-care foundation (Billings Gazette, 6/28/13)
Montana supporters, opponents of Keystone XL oil pipeline parse Obama’s comments (Billings Gazette, 6/26/13)
Coalition of health care, labor, policy groups to launch Medicaid-expansion initiative (Billings Gazette, 6/26/13)
Coalition aims to get Medicaid expansion on the Montana ballot (KTVQ, 6/26/13)
Insurance commissioner: Price of policies offered on ‘Obamacare’ exchange in Montana relatively less expensive (Billings Gazette, 6/25/13)
Obama climate initiative gets mixed reviews in Montana (The Missoulian, 6/25/13)
COMMENTARY: Bullock: Montana will prosper with equal pay for equal work (Billings Gazette, 6/23/13)
Montana wants decision in campaign documents dispute (Helena Independent Record, 6/23/13)
Senate leader Essman seeks AG opinion on pension law (Billings Gazette, 6/21/13)
Rick Hill turns to court in dispute over donation (AP, 6/21/13)
Governor vetoes CSKT water compact bill (Hungry Horse News, 6/20/13)
Governor plans for healthier Montana (Beartooth NBC, 6/20/13)
Brian Schweitzer wants you to know he hates Washington DC (Roll Call, 6/19/13)
EDITORIAL: More, and earlier, communication needed between Bullock, GOP leaders (Bozeman Daily Chronicle, 6/18/13)
Some say Schweitzer already planning US Senate run (The Missoulian, 6/16/13)
Bullock at MNA convention: Health care, dark money remain to issues (Ravalli Republic, 6/16/13)
Bullock appoints pay equity task force (Helena Independent Record, 6/15/13)
EDITORIAL: Talk it out before Legislature adjourns (Billings Gazette, 6/14/13)
Coalition to oppose online tax act formed (Great Falls Tribune, 6/13/13)
Montana judge to hear assisted-suicide arguments (Great Falls Tribune, 6/12/13)
New political-practices chief Motl: ‘Keep it fair’ (Billings Gazette, 6/11/13)
Legislators uphold final 19 Bullock vetoes (Great Falls Tribune, 6/11/13)
Montana legislators sustain all of Bullock’s vetoes (Billings Gazette, 6/10/13)
Legislators uphold final 19 Bullock vetoes (AP, 6/10/13)
COMMENTARY: Little joy among state workers over pay deal (Billings Gazette, 6/9/13)
Deschamps gets another term as Montana GOP chairman (AP, 6/9/13)
US Senate hopefuls take center stage at Montana GOP convention (Missoulian, 6/8/13)
Veto override results murky until Monday (Billings Gazette, 6/7/13)
COMMENTARY: State shifts Medicaid costs to private patients (Billings Gazette, 6/7/13)
COMMENTARY: Montana must invest in quality early childhood services (Billings Gazette, 6/7/13)
Bullock touts Main Street Montana economic development plan (Billings Gazette, 6/6/13)
Montana reaches deal on pay increase for employees (Billings Gazette, 6/5/13)
Missoula round-table gathers ideas to improve state’s economy (Independent Record, 6/5/13)
VIDEO: Main Street Montana project looks to boost economy (KPAX, 6/5/13)
Dissension in Montana GOP ranks carries over to convention (Billings Gazette, 6/4/13)
COMMENTARY: Helping eastern Montana right thing to do (The Missoulian, 6/4/13)
VIDEO: Bullock brings Main Street Montana project to Missoula (KPAX, 6/4/13)
GOP lawmakers launch initiative to force disclosure of ‘dark money’ in Montana (Billings Gazette, 6/3/13)
Pay hikes coming for some Montana elected officials; others seeing freeze (Billings Gazette, 6/3/13)
5 Bullock vetoes upheld in override vote (AP, 6/3/13)
Rainy weather dampening Montana’s early season wildfire danger, Bullock told (AP, 6/3/13)
COMMENTARY: Gov. Bullock: Vetoes necessary to balance state budget (Billings Gazette, 6/2/13)
MAY 2013
Effort to override governor’s vetoes picks up steam (AP, 5/31/13)
Lobbyists spent $6.1M during Montana legislative session (AP, 5/29/13)
Regents freeze Montana college tuition, but increase student fees (The Missoulian, 5/25/13)
MT Board of Regents OK tuition freeze for next two years (AP, 5/25/13)
Bullock applauds Montana Board of Regents for implementing tuition freeze (AP, 5/24/13)
October Perez bill becomes law: Measures intended to curb child abuse (Great Falls Tribune, 5/22/13)
VIDEO: Bullock appoints new Commissioner of Political Practices (KPAX, 5/21/13)
Bullock’s inaugural balls raise $315,000 (Independent Record, 5/21/13)
Governor names Political Practices chief (Montana Standard, 5/21/13)
Governor picks Helena lawyer Motl as political practices chief (AP, 5/20/13)
8 controversial vetoes by Gov. Steve Bullock during the 2013 legislative session (mediatrackers, 5/20/13)
VIDEO: Bullock speaks at Montana Tech graduation (KPAX, 5/20/13)
Gov. Steve Bullock’s health policy adviser resigns, takes new position in Missoula (AP, 5/20/13)
Names submitted to Gov. Bullock for judicial appointment (KTVQ, 5/20/13)
Bullock, CEOs launch economic development project dubbed “Main Street Montana” (Independent Record, 5/20/13)
Bullock’s health-policy adviser takes new job (Billings Gazette, 5/17/13)
Bullock to make political practices pick next week (AP, 5/17/13)
Bullock says ‘absolutely not’ to Senate race (AP, 5/17/13)
Tally on final Montana budget shows 11 percent increase (AP, 5/17/13)
Federal crackdown busts Montana’s medical marijuana industry (AP, 5/12/13)
COMMENTARY: Bullock’s vetoes were all about the money (Billings Gazette, 5/12/13)
Schweitzer courts unions as he considers 2014 (Billings Gazette, 5/12/13)
VIDEO: Gov. Bullock defends oil impact veto (KPAX, 5/9/13)
Bullock defends veto of oil-gas impact fund (Helena Independent Record, 5/9/13)
VIDEO: Governor vetoes 71 bills (Beartooth NBC, 5/8/13)
VIDEO: Bullock veto draws harsh criticism from eastern Montana (KPAX, 5/8/13)
VIDEO: Veto of assistance bill was fiscally necessary (Billings Gazette, 5/8/13)
GOP lawmakers upset over Bullock vetoes (Montana Standard, 5/8/13)
Montana gov. signs pension fixes, school funding bill (AP, 5/7/13)
Steve Bullock vetoes bill that allowed guns at Montana colleges (Huffington Post, 5/7/13)
Bullock signs major spending bills; budget director to run final numbers on Tuesday (Billings Gazette, 5/6/13)
Bullock vetoes bill allowing guns on campus (AP, 5/6/13)
Deadline looms: Bullock will determine fate of 70 bills (KXLH, 5/6/13)
APRIL 2013
Bullock signs law creating state parks board (Helena Independent Record, 4/30/13)
Senate rejections mean more Bullock appointments (AP, 4/30/13)
In Montana, ranchers line up against coal (LA Times, 4/26/13)
Focus is on Montana ex-governor Brian Schweitzer as Max Baucus exits (Politico, 4/24/13)
Brian Schweitzer to weigh bid for Max Baucus’ Montana Senate seat (LA Times, 4/23/13)
As Legislature enters final week, most big issues still in play — but close to solution (Billings Gazette, 4/20/13)
Legislature wrapping up details on big issues before session ends (Ravalli Republic, 4/20/13)
OPINION: Legislature offered hits and misses (Great Falls Tribune, 4/20/13)
Bullock lauds state forest management, pushes feds to emulate Montana efforts (Helena Independent Record, 4/19/13)
Bullock speaks about losing Medicaid expansion (Flathead News Group, 4/19/13)
Was fate of Medicaid expansion bill decided by mistaken vote? (Billings Gazette, 4/19/13)
Bipartisan Medicaid fails on accidental vote (AP, 4/19/13)
House Republicans appear to have killed Medicaid bill (Billings Gazette, 4/19/13)
Montana House accepts budget bill; lawmakers eye session’s imminent wrap-up (Billings Gazette, 4/18/13)
Montana SB 107: Steve Bullock signs legislation decriminalizing gay sex (AP, 4/18/13)
Bullock signs bill to repeal decriminalizing gay sex (Helena Independent Record, 4/18/13)
Crowd celebrates as Bullock signs bill decriminalizing gay sex (Billings Gazette, 4/18/13)
Activists cheer as Montana formally decriminalizes gay sex (Reuters, 4/18/13)
VIDEO: Governor signs bill decriminalizing homosexuality (Beartooth NBC, 4/18/13)
Montana House approves GOP election referendums (AP, 4/17/13)
Montana lawmakers to push referendums through (AP, 4/17/13)
Montana Senate Dems, handful of Republicans roll Medicaid program into ‘compromise’ bill (Billings Gazette, 4/16/13)
Montana pension fixes head to full Senate vote (Billings Gazette, 4/16/13)
Montana House supports 2 proposed election referendums (Billings Gazette, 4/16/13)
OPINION: Budget crunch time calls for compromise (Billings Gazette, 4/16/13)
Montana House panel kills bill to disclose ‘dark money’ in campaigns (Billings Gazette, 4/15/13)
Gov. Bullock vetoes concealed carry without permit (AP, 4/15/13)
Hopes for tax cuts hinge on Legislature’s spending (Havre Daily News, 4/14/13)
GOP legislators’ hopes of large tax cuts dimming (Billings Gazette, 4/14/13)
Innovate Montana relaunches to help businesses (Sidney Herald, 4/13/13)
Budget deal clears Senate after deal on cuts, family planning funds (Billings Gazette, 4/13/13)
Montana finally strikes law criminalizing gay sex (The Advocate, 4/13/13)
Montana campuses start to tackle performance funding (Bozeman Daily Chronicle, 4/13/13)
State pay raise bill advances, but no more money added (Billings Gazette, 4/12/13)
Montana GOP split lingers over ‘dark money’ crackdown (AP, 4/12/13)
GOP advances alternative to Bullocks’ Medicaid expansion plan (Billings Gazette, 4/12/13)
FWP commissioner resigns, cites politics (Great Falls Tribune, 4/12/13)
Bullock opens door to Medicaid expansion tinkering (AP, 4/12/13)
Citizens United reform bills pair disclosure mandate with higher contribution limits (Huffington Post, 4/12/13)
Montana gay sex bill passes, heads to governor’s desk (AP, 4/11/13)
Montana lawmakers juggling budget priorities (KRTV, 4/11/13)
Rallying support: Governor visits hospital to discuss proposed Medicaid expansion (Ravalli Republic, 4/11/13)
Vote due on Bullock’s JOBS bill (KPAX, 4/9/13)
Montana Senate panel wraps up budget (AP, 4/9/13)
OPINION: Legislature must address big needs of oil-impacted towns (Billings Gazette, 4/8/13)
VIDEO: Dunwell Report — Governor Steve Bullock, segment 1 (Beartooth NBC, 4/7/13)
Democrats lose fight in Montana Senate over ballot measures (Reuters, 4/6/13)
Montana Republicans win wild legislative session, tighten election laws (Christian Science Monitor, 4/6/13)
COMMENTARY: Did Democrats’ gamble to blow up session blow up in their faces? (The Missoulian, 4/6/13)
Bullock criticizes Senate GOP’s gamesmanship (Montana Standard, 4/6/13)
House narrowly endorses school choice bill (Billings Gazette, 4/6/13)
Missing senator returns, work resumes at Capitol after raucous day (AP, 4/6/13)
Republicans passing collection of referenda in order to bypass Bullock veto (Montana Public Media, 4/5/13)
Bullock criticizes Montana Senate Republicans actions (The Missoulian, 4/5/13)
Chaos erupts in Montana Legislature as Senate Democrats try to stall referendums (Great Falls Tribune, 4/5/13)
Bullock criticizes Senate GOP leaders (Billings Gazette, 4/5/13)
Read Bullock’s statement in response to events at the Montana Legislature (Helena Independent Record, 4/5/13)
VIDEO: Senate Democrats stage chaotic protest as they try to block votes on bills (Billings Gazette, 4/5/13)
Most legislative referendums pass (Helena Independent Record, 4/5/13)
Calls of Senate, House rare, risky maneuvers (Helena Independent Record, 4/5/13)
EDITORIAL: An open plea to lawmakers, adopt Medicaid expansion (Havre Daily News, 4/4/13)
Legislators back onetime state income tax cut (NBC Montana, 4/4/13)
OPINION: Oil trust fund would benefit Montana’s future (Billings Gazette, 4/4/13)
Bullock appoints ex-DNRC head to oil-and-gas board (AP, 4/1/13)
OPINION: Legislature makes progress, missteps (Great Falls Tribune, 4/1/13)
New Montana law targets life insurance companies (AP, 4/1/13)
AUDIO: Legislative priorities, gay marriage and guns — a conversation with Gov. Steve Bullock (Montana Public Media, 4/1/13)
MARCH 2013
Women’s health funding faces cuts in Montana (AP, 3/31/13)
Democrats vow to pass Medicaid expansion as Republicans say it will blow state budget (Helena Independent Record, 3/31/13)
With 1 month to go at Legislature, budget precariously out of balance (Billings Gazette, 3/31/13)
Details on how Medicaid works in Montana (Billings Gazette, 3/31/13)
Who would benefit from Medicaid expansion? (Billings Gazette, 3/31/13)
Most of medical community supports Medicaid expansion — why? (Billings Gazette, 3/31/13)
Bullock touts chamber’s Medicaid bill support (AP, 3/29/13)
Missoula Mayor spends afternoon with Governor Bullock (KAJ18, 3/29/13)
Missoula officials tout urban renewal dollars on tour with governor (Ravalli Republic, 3/29/13)
Engen, Bullock to review Missoula urban development (KPAX, 3/29/13)
Judge blocks part of voter-approved immigrant law (AP, 3/28/13)
Montana House advances plan to simplify taxes (Billings Gazette, 3/28/13)
Montana House committee tables Medicaid expansion plan (KBZK, 3/28/13)
Pay, pension bills advance in Montana House (Billings Gazette, 3/28/13)
Gov. Bullock vetoes two gun rights measures (AP, 3/28/13)
Bullock vetoes bill barring police from enforcing gun ban, says would make police criminals (AP, 3/28/13)
Governor Bullock announces appointments to boards (KXLF, 3/27/13)
Bullock priorities advance in GOP-dominated Montana House (AP, 3/25/13)
COMMENTARY: Covering Montanans: Medicaid must be reformed (Billings Gazette, 3/24/13)
Montana Senate endorses bill to tighten term limits (AP, 3/24/13)
Montana Senate OK’s concealed carry without permit (AP, 3/24/13)
COMMENTARY: Lawmakers should support Medicaid for healthier families (Billings Gazette, 3/24/13)
Bill for state pay plan amended, passes House committee (Billings Gazette, 3/23/13)
Committee amends bill to eliminate across-the-board raises (Helena Independent Record, 3/23/13)
Montana House committee strips pay plan of 5% raise for state workers (The Missoulian, 3/23/13)
House backs proposed pension fixes from both sides (Billings Gazette, 3/22/13)
2 Bullock pension bills win panel’s approval (Billings Gazette, 3/22/13)
Coalition ‘blasts’ campaign finance bill to Montana Senate floor (AP, 3/22/13)
Bullock says House’s $9B budget still needs work (AP, 3/22/13)
Bullock administration pension fix bills pass Montana House committee (The Missoulian, 3/22/13)
COMMENTARY: New faces, old issues; Bullock continues overhaul of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (Missoula Independent, 3/21/13)
Medicaid expansion bills stall; Bullock’s measure ‘tough sell’ (Montana Standard, 3/21/13)
Bullock tours medical facilities, promotes Medicaid expansion bill (KPAX, 3/21/13)
Three bills to reform pension plans move ahead in Montana House (The Missoulian, 3/21/13)
Doctors back Medicaid expansion in talks with Bullock (Billings Gazette, 3/21/13)
Medicaid expansion bills unlikely to emerge from GOP-controlled committees (Billings Gazette, 3/20/13)
Bullock pitches Medicaid expansion for poor (Flathead News Group, 3/20/13)
Montana legislators say Medicaid expansion bills likely dead (The Missoulian, 3/20/13)
COMMENTARY: Legislature reminiscent of past sessions (Flathead News Group, 3/20/13)
Panel kills tax bills to help lower-income people (Billings Gazette, 3/19/13)
No attempt made by Montana House Democrats to restore family planning funds (The Missoulian, 3/19/13)
Montana gun bills hears on universities, concealed carry (AP, 3/18/13)
Reporter’s notebook: Minority reminded of the power of majority rule (Billings Gazette, 3/17/13)
Bullock says honor state workers’ raises (Bozeman Daily Chronicle, 3/16/13)
Bill seeks to simplify Montana income taxes (Billings Gazette, 3/15/13)
Montana House panel hears bill to decriminalize gay sex (Billings Gazette, 3/15/13)
Bipartisan ‘dark money’ bill reaches Montana panel (AP, 3/15/13)
VIDEO: Bullock pushes for Medicaid expansion (KPAX, 3/14/13)
Governor’s ‘dark money’ bill hits committee (AP, 3/14/13)
Senate begins confirmation of Bullock appointees (AP, 3/14/13)
OPINION: Great Divide; the shrinking difference between Republicans, Democrats (Missoula Independent, 3/14/13)
Bullock unveils Medicaid bill (Montana Standard, 3/13/13)
Gov. Bullock unveils bill to expand Medicaid in Montana (The Missoulian, 3/13/13)
OPINION: 30-day registration cutoff would keep many Montanans from voting (Billings Gazette,3/13/13)
Bullock unveils Medicaid bill, which includes ‘medical homes’ for expanded population (Billings Gazette, 3/13/13)
Bullock’s Medicaid bill aims to change how Montana delivers, pays for health care (Helena Independent Record, 3/13/13)
Bill seeks tax hike for wealthy, cut for others (AP, 3/13/13)
Bullock overhauls Fish, Wildlife and Parks panel (AP, 3/13/13)
Montana lawmakers consider longer term limits (AP, 3/13/13)
GOP lawmaker: Medicaid expansion can pass with reforms (KPAX, 3/13/13)
Bullock introduces Medicaid expansion (KTVQ, 3/13/13)
Pension bills still alive (Montana Standard, 3/13/13)
House passes pair of tax cut bills (Billings Gazette, 3/12/13)
Opponents of Medicaid expansion launch counterattack (Helena Independent Record, 3/12/13)
OPINION: Medicaid expansion no freebie for taxpayers (Billings Gazette, 3/11/13)
OPINION: Covering uninsured will improve health, economy (Billings Gazette, 3/11/13)
VIDEO: Bullock discusses budget and Medicaid expansion (KPAX, 3/10/13)
Democrats use fundraiser to rally around Baucus (AP, 3/9/13)
OPINION: Make Montana’s income taxes simpler, but fair to all (Billings Gazette, 3/8/13)
Bullock takes Medicaid expansion to constituents (MSN, 3/7/13)
Bullock vetoes first bill (AP, 3/6/13)
Montana GOP budget surpasses governor’s in spending (AP, 3/6/13)
Big decisions loom as 2013 Legislature begins its second half (The Laurel Outlook, 3/6/13)
OPINION: A healthy choice, Medicaid reform would boost state’s economy (Billings Gazette, 3/3/13)
Gov. Bullock and AG Tim Fox complete the session’s first 45 days (KFBB, 3/1/13)
FEBRUARY 2013
GOP rebuffs Dem efforts to blast out bills (Helena Independent Record, 2/27/13)
OPINION: Montana should shed light on dark money (Billings Gazette, 2/25/13)
Steve Bullock off to a pretty good start as governor, 53% approve, only 18% disapprove (Public Policy Polling)
Gov. Bullock answers GOP criticism about budget hikes (AP, 2/20/13)
Lawmaker proposes bill to simplify state income taxes (Helena Independent Record, 2/20/13)
Schweitzer stronger than Baucus (Public Policy Polling, 2/19/13)
OPINION: Say ‘yes’ to Bullock’s jobs bill (Great Falls Tribune, 2/16/13)
Montana closer to declaring sheriffs supreme (AP, 2/15/13)
Auditor at odds with Bullock on bill to end Insure Montana program (The Missoulian, 2/15/13)
Legislative Democrats propose Medicaid expansion in Montana (AP, 2/15/13)
Governor seeks help to pass $100M for campus renovations and jobs (Bozeman Daily Chronicle,2/15/13)
Bullock, Peterson announce legislation to combat ‘dark money’ in Montana elections (Great Falls Tribune, 2/15/13)
Medicaid proposal on state agenda (Great Falls Tribune, 2/14/13)
Comprehensive campaign reform bill in the works (Hungry Horse News, 2/14/13)
Bullock, GOP senator roll out fix to stamp out campaign ‘dark money’ (Helena Independent Record,2/14/13)
Bullock, Peterson team up for campaign finance reform in Montana (KTVQ, 2/14/13)
Gov. Bullock signs law expanding Montana wolf hunt (The Missoulian, 2/13/13)
EDITORIAL: Bipartisanship found on education (The Missoulian, 2/11/13)
In Montana, young, liberal and open to big government (New York Times, 2/10/13)
Montana public health director touts Medicaid expansion to business leaders (The Missoulian,2/8/13)
Bullock administration says Medicaid expansion would help state’s economy (Ravalli Republic,2/8/13)
While Montana’s governor hawked coal exports, Wyoming’s held back (Casper Star Tribune, 2/7/13)
Bullock advocating for bill lowering business taxes (KPAX, 2/6/13)
Bullock’s business tax plan gets first hearing (AP, 2/6/13)
MT House Republican leads charge to toughen voter registration laws, sever late registration(Montana Kaimin, 2/5/13)
Bullock campaign held conference calls with firm coordinating independent expenditures (Media Tackers, 2/4/13)
Reporter’s notebook: School-funding overhaul has support in many corners (Billings Gazette, 2/3/13)
Business taxes, education, campaign finance, health insurance top week’s hearings (Billings Gazette,2/3/13)
Legislative preview: Tax cuts, schools, coal, insurance rates on agenda (The Missoulian, 2/2/13)
Bullock tours Missoula College, sees need for new facility (AP, 2/2/13)
COMMENTARY: School funding bill big ticket item this legislative session (The Missoulian, 2/2/13)
Montana House passes bill to end Election-Day registration (Ballot Access News, 2/2/13)
Campaign finance watchdog: Texas fracking billionaires gave $51K to Montana GOP candidates in 2012 (Great Falls Tribune, 2/1/13)
State checking account goes online for public to see spending (Billings Gazette, 2/1/13)
VIDEO: Bullock pushes education plan in Missoula (KPAX, 2/1/13)
Bullock tells UM students he’ll cap tuition, keep college affordable (Helena Independent Record,2/1/13)
Governor, higher ed commissioner call for tuition freeze (Billings Gazette, 2/1/13)
JANUARY 2013
Montana same-day voter registration repeal approved by House (Huffington Post, 1/31/13)
Bullock asks for bipartisanship but doesn’t bend in first State of the State speech (AP, 1/31/13)
Reporter’s Notebook: Observations on Gov. Bullock’s first big speech (The Lowdown, 1/31/13)
Lawmaker reaction mixed on Bullock speech (Great Falls Tribune, 1/31/13)
School funding bill gets hearing: Plan increases stability for districts, supporters claim (Great Falls Tribune, 1/31/13)
AUDIO: Governor Bullock’s State of the State recap (KFBB, 1/31/13)
Gov. Bullock’s State of the State address (Flathead News Group, 1/31/13)
Legislature considers tax cuts (Great Falls Tribune, 1/30/13)
Bullock pitches signature proposals, urges ‘brighter future’ for kids (The Missoulian, 1/30/13)
Republicans praise Bullock for putting budget online, differ on other issues (The Missoulian, 1/30/13)
Bullock asks Legislature for ‘responsible’ budget (AP, 1/30/13)
Gov. Bullock presents his first State of State Address (Beartooth NBC, 1/30/13)
State legislative session off to a good start (Flathead News Group, 1/29/13)
AUDIO: Governor Steve Bullock’s State of the State address (Montana Public Media, 1/29/13)
Republican proposes to end Montana pension system (Flathead Beacon, 1/29/13)
Bullock, public education community line up to oppose tax credits for private institutions (Helena Independent Record, 1/28/13)
Horse Sense: Lawmakers may want to alter pay deal (Billings Gazette, 1/27/13)
Education, campaigns, pensions, building projects top upcoming legislative hearings (Billings Gazette, 1/27/13)
EDITORIAL: Drop the $400 rebate; get serious (Daily Inter Lake, 1/26/13)
Critics say bill could allow creationism in Montana classrooms (AP, 1/26/13)
New fight brewing at Legislature over eminent domain (Helena Independent Record, 1/25/13)
On party line, committee OKs ending Election Day registration (Billings Gazette, 1/25/13)
Sheriff promises to ignore ‘unconstitutional’ gun regulations (Billings Gazette, 1/25/13)
Montana Voter ID bill tabled in committee (Huffington Post, 1/25/13)
VIDEO: Bullock touts JOBS bill in MSU-Northern visit (KPAX, 1/25/13)
Higher ed officials seek exclusion from immigration lawsuit (Great Falls Tribune, 1/25/13)
GOP senator wants to tighten Supreme Court justice qualifications (AP, 1/24/13)
House appropriations chairman wants to move quickly on state pay bill (Billings Gazette, 1/24/13)
Montana Legislature: Republicans seek business tax cuts (AP, 1/24/13)
Montana House endorses plan to criminalize killing fetus (AP, 1/24/13)
COMMENTARY: Montana, not California, shows the way on Citizens United (San Jose Mercury News, 1/24/13)
Gov. Bullock supports Keystone XL Pipeline (Flathead News, 1/23/13)
Montana GOP seeks business tax cut; wants fossil fuels included in clean energy tax break (AP, 1/23/13)
Montana university officials pitch tuition freeze to legislators (Great Falls Tribune, 1/22/13)
Montana Leg: New pension committee looks for grand bargain (AP, 1/22/13)
Bullock: Joint proposal on teacher and state pension plans (Flathead News, 1/22/13)
Pension deal far off; governor’s office demands fixes to system while GOP seeks alternative (AP, 1/22/13)
Secretive group that challenged campaign laws appears set to vanish after legal setbacks (AP, 1/22/13)
Montana Leg: Emotions run high during second week of session (Great Falls Tribune, 1/21/13)
Advocates hope for repeal of Montana anti-gay law (AP, 1/21/13)
What are the increases in Bullock’s budget? (Helena Independent Record, 1/20/13)
What’s really in Gov. Bullock’s budget, and the expected fight with Republicans (Helena Independent Record, 1/20/13)
Increases in governor’s proposed budget — what are they? (Montana Standard, 1/20/13)
GOP legislators to battle with Bullock over increased state spending (The Missoulian, 1/20/13)
A look at Gov. Steve Bullock’s proposed spending increases (The Missoulian, 1/19/13)
Abortion foes aim to criminalize killing fetus (NECN, 1/15/13)
Report: Medicaid expansion brings money to state (AP, 1/12/13)
Bullock sworn in as Montana’s 24th governor (Great Falls Tribune, 1/7/13)
Judge finds group violated Montana disclosure laws (Helena Independent Record, 1/5/13)
Bullock announces picks for cabinet (Sidney Herald, 1/5/13)
Gov-elect’s budget proposal backs Medicaid expansion (Montana Standard, 1/5/13)
Governor-elect Steve Bullock presents budget (Beartooth NBC, 1/4/13)
GOP leaders make predictions for the state legislature (The Western News, 1/4/13)
Bullock includes Medicaid expansion in budget (AP, 1/4/13)
Fixing state pensions to be major issue facing Montana Legislature (Billings Gazette, 1/3/12)
Montana governor-elect names remainder of his Cabinet posts (The Missoulian, 1/2/13)
Bullock to keep military, agriculture agency heads (Billings Gazette, 1/2/13)
Bullock picks more administration members (KPAX, 1/2/13)
Bullock, lawmakers to debate how to spend down budget surplus (Billings Gazette, 1/1/13)
Bullock says he’ll bring own style to Montana governor’s office (AP, 1/1/13)
VIDEO: Governor-elect Steve Bullock prepares to take office (KFBB, 1/1/13)
DECEMBER 2012
Surplus will have GOP, Bullock wrangling (The Missoulian, 12/31/12)
‘Big ideas’ on education funding are fodder for the 2013 Legislature (Billings Gazette, 12/31/12)
Economy, energy, education may dominate 2013 Legislature, which convenes Jan. 7 (Billings Gazette, 12/31/12)
Gov-elect Steve Bullock announces head of FWP and Economic Development (KFBB, 12/28/12)
Bullock looks ahead (Montana Standard, 12/24/12)
Gov-elect Steve Bullock busy preparing for Montana’s top office (The Missoulian, 12/23/12)
Bullock to drop lawsuit against Hill over $500K campaign contribution (AP, 12/21/12)
Bullock announces 5 top policy advisers (The Missoulian, 12/21/12)
See ya later. Everyone’s guessing what’s next for Brian Schweitzer. Even Schweitzer (Missoula Independent, 12/20/12)
COMMENTARY: Politicized, dysfunctional FWP a challenge for Steve Bullock (The Missoulian, 12/16/12) Leaving his brand: Friends and foes look back on Schweitzer’s eventful 8-year term (Great Falls Tribune, 12/16/12) Political group sanctioned for blocking discovery (Flathead News Group, 12/16/12) Opper may have future in Bullock administration(Billings Gazette, 12/14/12) Bullock hopes to find place in administration for outgoing DEQ director(The Missoulian, 12/14/12) Montana gov: Oil and gas boom could fund clean energy (MSN, 12/14/12) Bullock names 2 more to cabinet posts (AP, 12/13/12) Missoula Mayor Engen advising Gov-elect Bullock behind scenes (The Missoulian, 12/11/12) After dismantling campaign finance laws, Montana group under scrutiny (Thruthout, 12/8/12) Tim Fox announces key AG staff (Great Falls Tribune, 12/7/12) Court denies attorney fees in Montana campaign finance case (Missoulian,12/6/12) Bullock names budget director, top aides (Billings Gazette, 12/6/12) Bullock names key staff (Helena Independent Record, 12/6/12) After big US Supreme Court win, Montana nonprofit suffers string of losses (Center for Public Integrity, 12/5/12) Brian Schweitzer’s parting shots (The Montana Pioneer, 12/3/12) Brian Schweitzer, 2016 dark horse (The Fix, 12/3/12) Did Schweitzer just tease a 2016 presidential bid? (Missoula Independent, 12/3/12) VIDEO: Schweitzer’s ‘warm regard’ for Iowa, New Hampshire fuels 2016 speculation (CNN, 12/2/12) Montana Gov. Schweitzer stokes 2016 intrigue (Washington Post, 12/2/12) VIDEO: Governor-elect Bullock announces first appointments (KPAX, 12/1/12) Bullock picks 3 directors (Montana Standard, 12/1/12)
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