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Montana lawmakers set to consider state employee pay plan in 2023 session

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Montana lawmakers set to consider state employee pay plan in 2023 session


HELENA — Final week, Gov. Greg Gianforte and public worker unions introduced an settlement on a brand new pay plan for state staff, however it’s going to nonetheless have to win approval from the Montana Legislature in the course of the upcoming 2023 session.

The Gianforte administration, the Montana Federation of Public Workers and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Workers launched an preliminary define of their proposal on Friday. In every of the subsequent two fiscal years, it will present staff with a elevate of $1.50 an hour or 4%, whichever is larger. It might additionally present a further one-time cost of as much as $1,040 for every worker, and it will freeze prices for single members’ well being advantages.

The administration and unions mentioned their plan will assist handle points just like the rising value of residing and the problem of filling vacant positions. They’ll subsequent should make that case to lawmakers.

“Within the Legislature, the governor at all times proposes; the Legislature disposes,” mentioned Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, who chaired the Appropriations Committee final session. The committee is accountable for listening to all spending payments and doing a lot of the work on the state finances.

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Jones mentioned he likes the essential construction of the pay plan, although a lot will rely on the ultimate particulars. He mentioned the break up between a flat elevate and a share improve may gain advantage lower-income staff who’ve been hit arduous by inflation and supply larger wage bumps for positions the state is having bother recruiting for. He mentioned there’s been extra competitors for the state to fill jobs like engineers and IT professionals, since they will typically work remotely.

“I’ve little question that with 150 totally different folks within the Legislature, there’s no simple course for any motion,” Jones mentioned. “However I do imagine most individuals acknowledge that there’s wage stress on the bottom, like we now have not seen for many years.”

Senate Minority Chief Jill Cohenour, D-East Helena, mentioned the plan might not have all the pieces her occasion wished, however she believes it was negotiating course of between the governor and the unions. She expects Democrats to face behind the end result the 2 sides got here up with.

“I’ve been actually involved about how gradual authorities has been to react to the necessity for will increase in wages for public workers,” she mentioned. “These are the parents that principally stored the state operating all in the course of the pandemic. They labored so arduous to keep up crucial providers in communities throughout the state of Montana, and so they should have a good settlement that acknowledges them for the work that they’ve completed to maintain the state of Montana going.”

This proposal is considerably larger than latest negotiated pay plans. In 2021, the Legislature accepted a single 55-cent improve that may take impact this November. In 2019, they accepted 50-cent raises for 2 consecutive years.

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Jones mentioned he believes most Republicans will see a necessity for a pay improve.

“Actually the Republican caucus will wish to be as conservative as potential, it’ll actually wish to ensure that authorities’s working as effectively as potential,” he mentioned. “But it surely’s additionally not misplaced on Republicans – particularly employers comparable to myself, and numerous the caucus do make use of of us – that within the instances of 8% and 9% inflation, you’re going to have to have the ability to pay a wage that enables your workers to be just right for you.”

Cohenour mentioned she’s hopeful lawmakers will acknowledge that the state has robust revenues coming in, and so they’ll help placing a few of that towards state workers.

“I’m excited and I’m thrilled with the truth that the governor’s workplace is bearing in mind the truth that we expect that we now have the cash ongoing to offer these will increase,” she mentioned. “I do hope that we’re additionally taking a look at future will increase for public workers that may notice what’s taking place within the economic system and the inflation that’s hitting these union households in communities throughout Montana.”





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Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Dec. 25, 2024

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The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 25, 2024, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

15-26-27-30-35, Powerball: 03, Power Play: 3

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

04-10-35-42-45, Lucky Ball: 02

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Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

04-05-40-42-52, Star Ball: 10, ASB: 03

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

09-18-19-25, Bonus: 15

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

08-29-30-47-57, Powerball: 01

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Montana Cash numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

01-05-10-39-41

Check Montana Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

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When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 9:00 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
  • Lotto America: 9:00 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
  • Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Montana Cash: 8:00 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

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This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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Montana authors talk about state's 'political hell-raiser,' archaeology • Daily Montanan

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Montana authors talk about state's 'political hell-raiser,' archaeology • Daily Montanan


Historian and author Marc Johnson gives a book talk next month about Burton K. Wheeler, “one of the most powerful politicians Montana ever produced,” as part of the Montana Historical Society’s lecture series.

Johnson will speak from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, at Touchmark, 915 Saddle Dr. in Helena. He will talk about his book, “Political Hell-Raiser: The Life and Times of Senator Burton K. Wheeler of Montana.”

“(Wheeler) came of political age amid antiwar and labor unrest in Butte, Montana, during World War I, battling Montana’s powerful economic interests and championing farmers and miners as a crusading United States attorney,” said the announcement from the Montana Historical Society. “Wheeler went on to become one of the most influential, and controversial, members of the United States Senate during three of the most eventful decades in American history.”

Also in January, author and University of Montana archaeology professor Douglas MacDonald will discuss his “Land of Beginnings: The Archaeology of Montana’s First Peoples.”

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The book talk takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Lewis & Clark Library, 120 S. Last Chance Gulch in Helena.

“While researchers have learned a great deal about the origins of the first people to call this region home, questions remain about which route or routes they took and when they made this journey,” said the Montana Historical Society about the book talk.

The organization also said the Original Governor’s Mansion will be open for free guided tours at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26, and on Saturday, Dec. 28.

“The Queen Anne-Style mansion will be decorated for the holiday season through the weekend with surprises for visitors of all ages,” said the announcement.

For more information, contact Darby Bramble at [email protected].

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Montana Ag Network: Sleigh ride season kicks off in Montana

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Montana Ag Network: Sleigh ride season kicks off in Montana


On a frosty morning in late December, Marce Hoffman backs two huge draft horses out of a barn at the historic 320 Ranch south of Big Sky.

“Step up, step up,” Hoffman instructs the horses as he maneuvers them toward a waiting sled. It’s time to take the animals out for a turn on a trail they’ll know well by the end of the winter season. They’ll tread the path up to seven days a week during the holidays and five days a week after that. The animals strain in their harnesses, eager to pull and run.

“They’re fresh. They won’t be fresh come New Year’s, though; they’ll be all muscled up, ready to go,” said Hoffman.

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The 320 has a long history. It was homesteaded as two separate ranches more than 125 years ago.

“1912 they combined them to form 320 acres That’s how the ranch became known as the 320,” explained Hoffman as he practiced the history lesson he gives while narrating the ride through the high, narrow valley the ranch is nestled in, just outside the boundary of Yellowstone National Park.

In 1936, Bozeman doctor Carolyn McGill purchased the ranch.

Hoffman said, “She fell in love with this area on different hunting trips, trips down into the Yellowstone Park.”

You might recognize McGill’s name from somewhere else.

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“Caroline started the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman; was actually called the McGill Museum when it first opened up,” said Hoffman.

Current owner Dave Bass purchased the ranch in 1985.

Hoffman explained that’s when the ranch really began to grow into a tourist Mecca. He said, “He (Bass) bought it up from a 20 gust capacity over 200 that we have today.” He pointed to cabins that drifted by, framed by the mountains and the Gallatin River. It’s the view guests get as they take a one-hour trail ride in the sleighs. Hoffman ticked off the sights: “You get to see Cinnamon Mountain, Burnt Top Mountain. We’ll be able to see the Spanish Peaks when we go along the Gallatin here. Looking back you’ve got a view of Monument.”

marce hoffman.jpg

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Marce Hoffman

As he drives onto a flat, straight stretch of the trail, the horses get frisky. “These guys are gonna air out right here,” he cautioned, just as the horses break into a run. It demonstrated the challenge of managing big Percheron horses around guests.

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“Our number one priority is keeping everybody safe. So we always have to be constantly looking at the equipment. As far as the people, probably the hardest part is herding them up and getting them on the sleighs,” Hoffman laughed as he allowed that it is probably harder to manage the passengers than the animals.

Sitting next to him, Head Wrangler Logan McDaniel said she enjoyed working at the ranch.

Logan McDaniel.jpg

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Logan McDaniel

“I like, of course, to drive and work with the horses but also meeting people from all around the world. You get to meet people from all different parts of life, all kind of different places,” she said. “They’re here for vacation. You get to kind of realize a little bit of people’s life story. It’s pretty cool just to meet different people.”

And the horses?

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Hoffman said, “We’re looking for good disposition, you know. We’re not looking for heavy pullers we’re just looking for horses that are pretty docile and easy-going horses. They’re not gonna win any pulling competitions here.”

But these workhorses are no slouches.

“We’ll pull 18 people no problem and these guys are big horses,” said Hoffman.

He said that translates to about 18 hands and nearly 2,000 pounds each. As the horses cool down after their workout, Hoffman wiped them down and explained how these animals cope with the harsh winters at the ranch.

“You know those horses are on hay, you know free choice grass hay and water. They do pretty well. We’ve got a lean-to for them to get out of the wind. But for the most part, you know, they’re pretty hearty animals,” he said.

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320 coach horses.jpg

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By late afternoon, as dusk descends on the ranch, guests begin to wander toward a pair of the big sleighs. They board the blanket covered seats for a ride out to the other end of the valley where a wood-floored canvass tent awaits. It’s heated and features a bar serving snacks, hot cocoa, cider, and more. A fire crackles in a pit surrounded by seats outside. After a bit of rest, the passengers will climb back into the sleds for a ride back to the ranch restaurant.

Taking in the view around them, Hoffman and McDaniel reflected on their jobs. Hoffman said, “There’s a lot of people that never seen a horse or been around horses, so it’s a good opportunity to you know, to introduce them to the horses.”

McDaniel added, “It’s cool watching people fall in love with the horses. That’s why I kind of do this. It’s to see people fall in love with horses like I do.”





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