Special session adjourns: GOP leaders, governor agree on budget fixes

The Montana House and Senate adjourned the special legislative session early Thursday after Republican leaders and Gov. Steve Bullock agreed on a plan to fill the state budget and revenue gap with $231 million in cuts, transfers and other funds.

The total includes $32 million that CoreCivic has offered the state in exchange for renewing its 10-year contract with the company to operate the 664-bed private prison in Shelby.

Bullock called the special session to come up with $227 million to make up for a budget and revenue shortfall. He proposed coming up with one-third by budget cuts, one-third by fun transfers and one-third by tax increases.

By Chuck Johnson

https://www.missoulacurrent.com/government/2017/11/montana-legislature-adjourns/

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Montana Legislature: State budget bill passes both chambers

The Montana House and Senate each passed a budget bill Wednesday that incorporates Gov. Steve Bullock’s reductions and earlier budget cuts triggered by lower than anticipated tax collections.

Over the protests of Democrats, the House passed House Bill 2 by a 59-41 party-line vote.

In the Senate, legislators approved HB2 on a mostly party-line vote.

By Chuck Johnson

https://www.missoulacurrent.com/government/2017/11/montana-legislature-budget-cuts-4/