HELENA — The Montana Home has given preliminary approval to a bundle of finances and tax payments, together with a number of tax insurance policies endorsed by Gov. Greg Gianforte.
On Wednesday, Home members handed six payments on an preliminary vote. Collectively, they allocate about $1 billion from the state’s greater than $2 billion finances surplus and make further longer-term modifications to tax guidelines:
Home Invoice 192, sponsored by Rep. Invoice Mercer, R-Billings, would use $480 million of the excess to offer earnings tax rebates of as much as $1,250 for these submitting individually and $2,500 for these submitting collectively.
Home Invoice 212, sponsored by Rep. Josh Kassmier, R-Fort Benton, would exempt companies from the state’s enterprise tools tax if they’ve lower than $1 million. The present exemption is at $300,000.
Home Invoice 221, sponsored by Rep. Tom Welch, R-Dillon, would substitute the present tax deduction for long-term capital features with a lowered tax price for these features.
Home Invoice 222, sponsored by Welch, would use about $280 million in surplus funds to offer property tax rebates of as much as $500 every of the following two years on Montana property house owners’ major residences.
Home Invoice 251, sponsored by Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, would put $150 million towards paying off state debt, with the aim of decreasing future required funds.
Home Invoice 267, sponsored by Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, R-Kalispell, would place $100 million into a brand new state account, the place it might be used as matching funds to safe federal highway and bridge grants.
5 of the six payments handed nearly completely on social gathering strains, with majority Republicans in favor and minority Democrats opposed. HB 267 handed unanimously.
Republicans mentioned the bundle would take essential and fast steps to return surplus cash to the Montanans who paid it in taxes. Democrats referred to as the payments “giveaways” to the rich and mentioned the cash can be higher invested in addressing statewide wants.
Earlier within the session, a few of these payments had overlapping provisions, however they had been amended within the Home Appropriations Committee to deliver them into alignment. The committee additionally added “coordinating language,” stating that the quantity spent on every of the payments can be minimize in half if any one of many bundle did not move.
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Throughout Wednesday’s debate, Home Speaker Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, mentioned tying the payments collectively was the easiest way to make sure that no group of Montanans was “disregarded” from the advantages of returning the excess.
“One among these concepts alone may be preferable to you over the following; I do know every of us have our personal concepts of the best way to be stewards of this cash,” he mentioned. “I do know there are good concepts that you’ve got, however your seatmate additionally has good concepts. We’re an unlimited array of legislators; we’ve got an unlimited array of concepts.”
Democrats objected to the transfer, saying GOP management was dashing the method, and they need to anticipate extra income info earlier than making a closing determination on the best way to use the excess. They unsuccessfully proposed amendments to take away the coordinating language from every of the payments.
“With such a deal the place they’re all tied collectively and so they all go or none of them go, what occurs is the general public would not have the enter that they should have,” mentioned Rep. Mary Caferro, D-Helena. “It cuts out public course of, it is difficult, it is insider recreation.”
The Home is anticipated to take a closing vote on the payments Thursday. In the event that they move, they’ll transfer on to the Senate for consideration.
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes joined six other tribes in defense of a new federal rule protecting their water rights in court.
The rule requires states to consider tribes’ fishing, hunting and gathering rights while crafting water regulations.
Twelve states sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over the rule, which was finalized earlier this year.
Montana is not part of the lawsuit. Those states argue the federal government oversteps its power under the Clean Water Act and would severely limit their ability to craft water standards.
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Seven tribes have filed a motion to intervene in the case. They say the rule is key to protecting “reserved rights,” which gives tribes the ability to hunt, fish and gather on lands they ceded to the federal government through treaties.
The tribes say the rule is within the EPA’s authority as it ensures treaties are adhered to.
Home › Active Wildland Fire ›Crews on Montana Creek Fire #312 continue to cut fire line and mop up in thick spruce timber
By 2024montanacreekon
Fire crews provide initial attack overnight to protect a structure.
TALKEETNA, Alaska-The Montana Creek Fire (#312) is located 16 miles south of Talkeetna and was reported on June 29th. Overnight, crews responded to a new grass fire near the origin. The fire remains 40% contained, with moderate fire activity primarily creeping and smoldering in timber. The fire is located in a critical Protection Area prompting multi-agency resource response. Ninety-six personnel are assigned to the incident including resources from BIA, BLM, State and USFS. Three crews, one fire use module, 1 engine, 2 water tenders, 3 Division Supervisors and one EMT.
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Fire crews continue to secure the perimeter and mop up will begin where conditions allow. Investigators determined this to be a human caused fire. With the upcoming 4th of July holiday, the public is reminded that discharging fireworks in Forested lands is illegal.
Due to the fire activity seen within the fire area residents along the Leroy Davie Road and Montana Creek Road corridors were moved to a SET (Alert Status). However, an evacuation order has not been issued at this time. There has been confirmation that one outbuilding has been lost to the fire.
The Parks Highway remains open. The public traveling on the Parks Highway may continue to be impacted by smoke and a large contingency of ground resources assisting in fire suppression efforts between mile markers 94-100. The public is encouraged to stay attentive and slow down near the fire area as crews continue suppression efforts throughout the day.
In addition to ground travel, there has been a temporary flight restriction put in place to provide clear air space to aviation assets assisting on the fire. For more information on the TFR, please visit: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_5688.html
Aerial view of Montana Creek Fire #312 7/1/2024. Video: DOF Remote Pilot Kale Casey
‹ Deception Pup (#252) & Flasco (#259) full containment in sight
Cooler temperatures and light rains calm the McDonald Fire ›
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR – Division of Forestry (DOF), Alaska NPS
Tags: Alaska Division of Forestry, BLM Alaska Fire Service, Montana Creek Fire
Fourth of July in the Flathead means a host of patriotic events, including fireworks that dot the mountainous skyline and red, white and blue parade floats. Make a plan for Independence Day by checking out the following events happening in northwest Montana over the weekend. Read more about all of the can’t-miss events happening in the Flathead Valley this summer here.
Polson Fireworks Show
Riverside Park, Polson
July 3, Dusk
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Want to get into the July Fourth action a little early? Head down to Polson on Wednesday for a fun-filled night of fireworks over Flathead Lake. The city’s annual fireworks show is financed by donations from the community, and the Polson Chamber of Commerce is asking locals and visitors alike to contribute to the event. Learn more.
Kalispell Parade
Downtown Kalispell
July 4, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Flathead Marines are hosting the annual July Fourth parade through downtown Kalispell. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and travel from Center Street down Main Street, past the Flathead County Courthouse. Learn more.
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Old Fashioned Ice-Cream Social
Conrad Mansion, Kalispell
July 4, after the Kalispell parade
Visit Kalispell’s Conrad Mansion for a free, old-fashioned ice cream social after the July Fourth parade. There will be live music, food trucks and $5 self-guided tours of the historic mansion. The event will begin after the Kalispell Fourth of July Parade. Learn more.
Troy’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July
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Downtown Troy
July 4, 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.
For over a century, the small town of Troy has thrown a free, family-friendly July Fourth bash. This year’s schedule of events includes a “color run,” an old-fashioned breakfast at Roosevelt Park, a parade, live music, a car show and fireworks. Troy’s Roosevelt Park is set on the banks of the Kootenai River, providing a scenic backdrop for the wide-ranging community events. Bus service will be available starting after the parade with pickups at Morrison Elementary, Troy High School, Troy Activity Center and Roosevelt Park. Learn more.
Bigfork Parade
Downtown Bigfork
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July 4, 12 p.m.
Head to Bigfork for the town’s biggest party of the year. This year’s grand marshal is Gretchen Gates of Eva Gates Preserves, and the parade theme is “‘Preserving’ Bigfork Traditions” in honor of 75 years of Eva Gates. Judges will evaluate floats based on entertainment value, originality, craftsmanship and interpretation of the theme. There will also be a classic car category. Food trucks and live music by the Fetveit Brothers will begin in the downtown parking lot at 10 a.m. and will continue after the parade. Parking for the parade will be in the field at the intersection of Highway 35 and Highway 82. From the parking area only, free shuttle service will be available to downtown from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be no cars allowed in downtown Bigfork after 8 a.m. on the 4th. Learn more.
Polson Parade
Main Street, Polson
July 4, 12 p.m.
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Each year, creative parade floats pass through downtown Polson for the lakeside community’s Fourth of July Parade. The parade will begin at noon on Main Street. Learn more.
Fireworks on Whitefish Lake
City Beach, Whitefish
July 4, 10:30 p.m.
Gather at City Beach in Whitefish for an evening of food, fun and fireworks. The annual Whitefish fireworks display is launched from a floating barge 300 feet off of the shore of Whitefish Lake, and is set to the backdrop of the Whitefish Range and Big Mountain. Food vendors — including shaved ice, mini donuts, ice cream, corndogs, and barbecue — will set up shop in the early evening and stay open until the fireworks begin around 10:30 p.m. The city of Whitefish encourages attendees to walk or bike to the beach to help alleviate traffic congestion. There will be a free shuttle from the O’Shaughnessy Center to City Beach from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. No dogs, personal fireworks, alcohol or glass containers are allowed. Learn more.
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Fourth of July parade through downtown Bigfork. Beacon file photo
Lakeside Fireworks
Lakeside Marina, Lakeside
July 4, 11 p.m.
Watch the sparkles, booms and bangs of fireworks over Flathead Lake at the annual Lakeside fireworks show. The fireworks will begin at 11 p.m. at the Lakeside Harbor. The small community of Lakeside is asking locals and visitors to contribute to the annual tradition and help them meet their fundraising goal of $20,000. Learn more.
Glacier Range Riders vs. Great Falls Voyagers
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Glacier Bank Park, Kalispell
July 5 and 6, 7:05 p.m., July 7, 1:05 p.m.
Cheer for the home team as the Glacier Range Riders take on the Great Falls Voyagers over three games this weekend. Kalispell’s Pioneer League baseball team — which is currently playing its third season — is a favorite for families and grown ups alike, not to mention mascots Huck and Cliff. Learn more.
Symphony Night at Rebecca Farm
Rebecca Farm, Kalispell
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July 5 and 6, 7:30 p.m.
Join the Glacier Symphony this weekend for two unforgettable nights of music under the Montana sky. The Glacier Symphony will be playing popular patriotic tunes, including music by Leroy Anderson, Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, Morton Gould, Cole Porter and Aaron Copland. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, or rent a picnic table. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased online. Learn more.
Shakey Graves with Vincent Neil Emerson and Archertown
Scout and Gather, Columbia Falls
July 6, 6 p.m.
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Indie folk singer Shakey Graves, best known for hit songs like “Tomorrow” and “Roll The Bones,” is coming to Columbia Falls for a performance at Scout and Gather. Shakey Graves will be joined by country singer Vincent Neil Emerson and Flathead Valley-based band Archertown. The concert is being presented by Outriders. General admission tickets are $45. Learn more.
The Travelin’ McCourys and Halladay Quist
Abayance Bay Marina, Rexford
July 6, 5 p.m
Nashville-based bluegrass band The Traveling’ McCourys is making trip to northwest Montana to perform at Abayance Bay Marina in Rexford. Set against the backdrop of Lake Koocanusa, the concert venue offers views of the Kootenai National Forest and the surrounding mountain ranges. Local musician Halladay Quist will open for the band. Learn more.
