Big Sky Times

The average VA IRRRL Loan amount for Montana in 2022 was $388,874, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

54 people die from diseases of the heart in Montana during week ending July 8

There were 54 deaths from diseases of the heart reported in Montana in the week ending July 8, making up 26.1% of total deaths by all causes in Montana.

Montana ranks 28th in the U.S. for the most public utilities sales tax paid in 2022

In 2022, Montana collected $39,067,000 in public utilities sales tax, ranking it 28th in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Annual Survey of State Government Tax Collections (STC).

CEO of the Rimrock Foundation Kosovich: 'This is a game changer'

By Big Sky Times Report | Jul 20, 2023

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte and the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) have obtained federal approval to increase access to SUD treatment for Medicaid members through the HEART Fund, according to a July 6 press release. The move aims to address the state's substance use disorder (SUD) crisis by expanding treatment capacity and reducing waitlists.

Montana's Gianforte: 'With dry, warm weather ahead, it's incredibly important we each do our part to prevent wildfire'

By Big Sky Times Report | Jul 20, 2023

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte recently received a briefing on the 2023 Fire Season Outlook that stressed the importance of wildfire prevention measures due to upcoming dry and warm weather conditions.

Tuholske: 'Some research suggests climate change may be, in military parlance, a threat multiplier or catalyst to conflict in political situations'

By Big Sky Times Report | Jul 20, 2023

Montana State University is spearheading a study funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, where Cascade Tuholske, assistant professor of earth sciences, is conducting research focused on the relationship between climate conditions, agriculture-related migration and regional stability. According to a release on July 18, this study is through a $3 million grant from the Minerva program from the Department of Defense, involving researchers from fiver universities with the University of California, Santa Barbara leading the charge.

Montana collected $2.7 billion in income taxes in 2022

Of the $4.6 billion in taxes collected by Montana in 2022, 57.9 percent, or $2.7 billion, came from income taxes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Annual Survey of State Government Tax Collections (STC).

Montana collected 8.5% more in corporate net income taxes in 2022

Of the $4.6 billion in taxes collected by Montana in 2022, $291.2 million came from corporations net income taxes, an 8.5 percent increase over the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Survey of State Government Tax Collections (STC).

Montana collected $227 million in severance taxes in 2022

Of the $4.6 billion in taxes collected by Montana in 2022, 4.9 percent, or $227 million, came from severance taxes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Survey of State Government Tax Collections (STC).

Montana collected $499.8 million in license taxes in 2022

Of the $4.6 billion in taxes collected by Montana in 2022, 10.8 percent, or $499.8 million, came from license taxes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Annual Survey of State Government Tax Collections (STC).

Montana collected 5.8% more in amusements sales tax in 2022

Of the $4.6 billion in taxes collected by Montana in 2022, $123.3 million came from amusements sales tax, a 5.8 percent increase over the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Survey of State Government Tax Collections (STC).

Montana ranks 35th in the U.S. for the most pari-mutuels sales tax paid in 2022

In 2022, Montana collected $169,000 in pari-mutuels sales tax, ranking it 35th in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Annual Survey of State Government Tax Collections (STC).

Gov. Gianforte: 'We're making a generational investment in our behavioral health and developmental disabilities service delivery systems'

Gianforte's announcement to Montana's Behavioral Health System for Future Generations Commission signifies a commitment to mental health and developmental disability care. This move marks a crucial milestone in the state's efforts to improve and revitalize its behavioral health services.

30 people die from cancer in Montana during week ending July 8

There were 30 deaths from cancer reported in Montana in the week ending July 8, making up 14.5% of total deaths by all causes in Montana.

Montana's Gianforte: 'I look forward to our Housing Task Force continuing to develop more commonsense solutions'

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte recently announced the expansion of the Housing Task Force.

Montana's Knudsen warns legislators of suspicious letters: 'If you receive one of these letters, do not open it and contact law enforcement'

A recent series of incidents beginning in June involving the delivery of suspicious letters containing white powder has raised concerns among lawmakers and public officials in several states.

EPA Information Officer Archer: "the crews are gaining more expertise in handling this situation"

EPA Information Officer Beth Archer issued a press release addressing a train derailment near Reed Point, Montana, which resulted in six rail cars carrying molten asphalt falling into the Yellowstone River.

Montana State Library President Creech: 'The Executive Board of the Montana Library Association deeply regrets the decision by the Montana State Library Commission to withdraw from the American Library Association.'

Last week, the Montana State Library announced its withdrawal from the American Library Association following a controversial tweet.

Governor Gianforte: 'These low water levels present a significant threat to the economic vitality of the region.'