Montana Passes the Piggy Bank and Calls the Landlords for Cost-Saving Ideas

Nothing is forcing Montana, one of only two states to boast a budget surplus, to cut costs.

Nothing, that is, except its voluble governor, Brian Schweitzer, a Democrat and deficit hawk.

“Four years ago, when most states were awash in cash and new revenues were rolling in, I didn’t allow the Legislature to spend it or commit it,” Mr. Schweitzer said. “I vetoed more than 40 bills.”

By STEPHANIE STROM

Full Story: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/23/us/23montana.html?ref=todayspaper

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Schweitzer says state will save $3.5M on renegotiated leases

State government will be saving nearly $3.5 million through renegotiations of more than 60 leases with landlords who rent space to agencies across Montana, Gov. Brian Schweitzer said Thursday.

Full Story: http://www.missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_cb0d3786-4e85-11df-a19a-001cc4c03286.html