Bruce Gillespie

Spring is typically a season of optimism. Entrepreneurs are opening new businesses, family farms and ranches are calving and planning for the next season, and existing small business owners are reviewing their finances and planning for growth.

However, at precisely this moment, Congress is considering legislation that would make those plans harder and riskier for Montana’s small businesses and agricultural producers. The Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA), also known as the Durbin-Marshall bill, may be marketed as pro-competition, but its real-world consequences would fall squarely on local businesses, farmers, ranchers, and the community banks they rely on.

We have seen before what happens when Washington underestimates the importance of these institutions. After the 2010 Durbin Amendment regulated debit card interchange fees, small banks were forced to roll back services or merge with larger institutions. The result was a steady erosion of community banking, particularly in rural states like Montana where alternatives are limited.

The Credit Card Competition Act threatens to repeat that mistake on an even larger scale.

Montana’s economy depends on relationship banking. In rural towns and small cities alike, smaller, community banks are often the only institutions willing to take the time to understand a seasonal business, a start-up operation, or a multigenerational farm. These lenders don’t just process transactions — they provide the credit that allows businesses to hire workers, buy equipment, and survive lean months. By decreasing the revenue small banks receive from credit card transactions, the Credit Card Competition Act does the exact opposite of what its name implies—it consolidates financial resources with larger banks and forces smaller, more local, lenders to limit credit access and cut services.

Research indicates that legislation like the CCCA would cost community banks billions of dollars annually in lost revenue. For Montana banks, that lost revenue would translate directly into fewer small business loans, tighter credit standards, and less flexibility for agricultural producers who depend on operating loans to get through the year.

Community banks are not a niche player in small business finance — they are the backbone. Nationwide, they provide the majority of small business credit and the vast majority of farm loans. In Montana, where agriculture, tourism, construction, and energy drive local economies, weakening community banks means weakening the businesses that sustain our state as a whole.

Analysts have warned that the CCCA would also make unsecured credit harder to access as banks respond by tightening eligibility requirements. For a new Montana business owner trying to finance inventory or payroll in January, or for a rancher seeking seasonal credit, that tightening could have catastrophic consequences. This comes at a time when Montana businesses are already navigating higher input costs, workforce challenges, and economic uncertainty.

Supporters of the CCCA promise savings by claiming that credit card fees would decrease, but what they don’t mention is that small businesses in rural states like Montana will get left in the dust with less available credit, and fewer choices.

As a state legislator, I believe that decisions made in Washington should strengthen — not undermine — the small businesses and farms that form the backbone of Montana’s economy. As we begin a new year defined by planning, investment, and opportunity, Congress should learn from past mistakes and reject the Credit Card Competition Act.

Senator Gillespie represents Senate District 9 in the Montana State Legislature.

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Tickets for the return of the official State Fair of Nevada are now available, but only until the end of the month can you get 20% off your ticket price.

After a 16-year hiatus, the official State Fair of Nevada will return to the Nevada State Fairgrounds in Reno June 11-13. Early bird discounts of 20% are available through May 1 online with code EarlySFNV.

Ciara Ressel, public information officer with the Nevada Department of Agriculture, stopped by Morning Break to share what’s in store for the community during these three days of food, entertainment, agriculture and celebration.

The event will highlight Nevada’s history, communities and agricultural roots with a wide range of programming, including:

• Nevada Junior Livestock Show and Sale
• University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s 4-H State Expo
• Opening Night Ceremony and Concert featuring Caleb Montgomery
• Next Generation Youth Bull Riding
• Made in Nevada Farmers’ Market
• Walking Tour of Nevada
• Drone show
• Local vendors, food and art
• Carnival rides
• And more highlighting Nevada’s history and heritage!

Click here to learn more. You can also follow the state fair on Instagram and Facebook.

April 29, 2026

Update:  Last night, increased relative humidity and decreased fire activity aided response efforts on the Sparks Fire. Crews made good progress beginning to establish fireline around the perimeter. Threatened residences received structure protection throughout the night. The fire is zero percent contained. 

Today, fire activity is minimal and exhibiting creeping and smoldering behavior. Crews will continue their full suppression strategy to secure the perimeter with the goal of increasing containment. Air attack is on scene to support operations. The fire’s acreage grew to an estimate of 10,000 acres after an initial flyover this morning. However, ground crews will conduct more accurate mapping with GPS as operations allow.  

The Sparks Fire was discovered at 3:20 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28 near HWY 156 in Quay County. The cause of the fire is under investigation.  

Safety: The primary objective for the Sparks Fire is firefighter and public safety. Structures in the area remain threatened. The public should avoid the area of HWY 156 near milemaker 41 north of Hassell, due to ongoing fire operations.  

Evacuations / Closures: None in place.  

Weather: Currently 60 degrees F, 51% RH, east winds at 5-10 mph. Today sunny, highs near 76. South wind 5-10 mph. Tonight, a 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. 

## 

Acres: 10,000 estimated. 

Containment: 0% contained.      

Start Date / Time: 3.20 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26. 

Fuels: Grass, piñon-juniper. 

Cause: Under investigation. 

Location: HWY 156 mm41. 

Ownership: Private. 

Structure Threat: Multiple structures. 

Smoke: Individuals sensitive to wildfire smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Learn more at nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/environment/air/fireandsmoke.html. An interactive smoke map at fire.airnow.gov allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions. 

Resources: Forestry Division, Quay County Districts 1, 2, 3, 4; Quay County Emergency Management, Oregon Department of Forestry, Cochiti FD, City of Santa Fe FD, Sandoval FD, Multiple VFD including Valley, Forest Fire, Jordan, House, Grady, Broadview, Melrose, Tucumcari, Porter. Total Personnel: 95. 

## 

The Sparks Fire, Wednesday, April 29, looking west from the air. Credit: NM Forestry Division