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Pitiful partisan ping-pong on Montana property taxes – Daily Montanan

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Pitiful partisan ping-pong on Montana property taxes – Daily Montanan


While Montanans are writing the very large checks for their insanely high property tax bills our politicians continue to play a pitiful game of partisan Ping-Pong.

It’s Republicans’ fault say the Democrats. No, it’s the Democrats’ fault say the Republicans. And in the meantime, residents are expected to pay up or the government takes your house.

The poll has to garner a majority of the 150 lawmakers to succeed. And the Democrats — you remember the Democrats — who had so vociferously called for a “one-day special session” earlier are now adamant about not supporting the call for a special session.

In short, the very sorry game went something like this.

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PING! The Department of Revenue warns the Legislature in January that Montanans will be facing incredible tax increases and they should take action to reduce that burden.

PONG! Gov. Greg Gianforte and the Republican supermajority in the Legislature ignore the warning.

PING! The session adjourns without significant action on property taxes by Republicans or Democrats.

PONG! The sky-high property reappraisals go out, leaving homeowners in shock. Their taxes are about to rise by an estimated 45% statewide despite assurances from politicians of all stripes that it won’t be that high.

PING! The Democrats, led by former Gov. Brian Schweitzer, put on a dog-and-pony show in the Capitol rotunda. They blame Republicans while demanding Gianforte call a one-day special session to reduce the state’s property tax levy by a pitifully small amount. They are, after all, Democrats who have no problems taxing and spending.

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PONG! The governor says too bad, no session, and lauds the equally pitiful $675 rebate he and the Republicans decided was enough to give back to homeowners for this year and next. For most homeowners, it’ll wind up being less than half of the permanent increase in their property taxes.

PING! 49 counties decide they can unilaterally reduce the mills on the state’s education equalization levy. Again, it would save a pitifully small amount of the increases but they figure that’s the best they can do.

PONG! The governor sues Missoula County for the proposed reduction claiming the counties don’t have the authority to reduce the education levy. He also claims the real problem is the amount of taxes, assessments and levies issued by local government.

PING! The case goes to the Supreme Court, where the justices unanimously agree the counties do not have the authority to reduce those taxes. Homeowners start writing the checks while the politicians continue to dither and blame each other, seeking to gain some imagined political advantage.

PONG! House Freedom Caucus submits request to call special session, secretary of state polls the members of the Legislature.

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PING! Democrats oppose the call for a special session claiming Republicans are “ducking accountability” for the sky-high property taxes.

PONG! Now we wait for 30 days to see what happens. But once a session is called, it’s wide open to be expanded to any topic whatsoever.

As this foolish game goes on Montana’s homeowners grow ever more frustrated and angry, having been relegated to the role of overtaxed spectators in this vacuum of leadership.

Meanwhile, whatever hopes for political advantage by either party vanishes in the pitiful partisan ping-pong match — and homeowners are left to pay their sky-high tax bills knowing they’re being fleeced by both political parties.



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Montana

Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Feb. 12, 2025

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The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Feb. 12, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Feb. 12 drawing

21-32-36-45-49, Powerball: 18, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Feb. 12 drawing

08-29-34-36-42, Lucky Ball: 11

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Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Feb. 12 drawing

06-16-23-27-30, Star Ball: 01, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Feb. 12 drawing

06-07-11-30, Bonus: 05

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Montana Cash numbers from Feb. 12 drawing

02-14-31-33-37

Check Montana Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
  • Lotto America: 9 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 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.

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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.

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 Lottery Mega Millions, Lucky For Life results for Feb. 11, 2025

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The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Feb. 11, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from Feb. 11 drawing

07-30-39-41-70, Mega Ball: 13, Megaplier: 3

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Feb. 11 drawing

08-25-28-41-46, Lucky Ball: 05

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Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Feb. 11 drawing

17-22-26-31, Bonus: 06

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
  • Lotto America: 9 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 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.

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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.

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

Earthquake reported near Montana-Idaho state line

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Earthquake reported near Montana-Idaho state line


The U.S. Geological Survey recorded an earthquake near the Montana-Idaho state line late Monday night.

The 3.3 magnitue earthquake was recorded three kilomters north-northwest of Mullan, Idaho at 11:03 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

Anyone who felt the earthquake can report their experience here.



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