The Governor has called a special session to address the budget shortfall. Legislators begin convening November 13 at noon in Helena. His proposal to balance the budget includes a mix of fund transfers, new revenue, and cuts. Here are links to his legislative proposals, updated cut list, and the call for the special session.
on October 3.
UNITED WAY FORUM (October 3, 2017)
On October 3, 2017, over 70 state legislators (Republican and Democrat) and community leaders gathered to raise awareness about the local impact of proposed state budget cuts and to foster conversation about potential solutions.
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This summary from the forum details proposed solutions and was submitted to the public comment record for the Legislative Finance Committee meeting on October 4. (Community Forum Summary)
THE FACTS:
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"Legislators of both parties agree: It's time to look at state's tax structure": http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/legislators-of-both-parties-agree-it-s-time-to-look/article_52a0a190-73eb-5733-9cf8-6ff4b56a980e.html#tncms-source=home-top-story-1
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Cuts are required by law because revenue came in under projections and the Governor must balance the budget.
How did this happen? http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/why-were-montana-s-budget-assumptions-so-far-off-depends/article_7673f327-0a67-575d-bc96-8a31495af4a6.html
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Most current status of proposed budget cuts: http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/budget-director-recommends-limiting-cuts-to-fire-fighting-tax-collection/article_0e4e60cc-063e-5172-a81c-fbd6981665d3.html
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Easy to Understand List of Proposed DPHHS Cuts (Complete list of proposed budget cuts from Department heads: http://balancedbudget.mt.gov/)
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It is possible for legislators or the Governor to call for a special session where additional revenue could be considered. Some are calling for this. Please see:
http://www.montanabudget.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/MT-Budget-Update-2017-FINAL.pdf -
The proposed cuts will be detrimental to early childhood interventions: http://www.ktvq.com/story/36416134/state-budget-cuts-threatening-program-for-montana-kids-with-special-needs
A LITTLE BACKGROUND ON THE CUTS:
To balance our state budget, per law, the Governor must cut $227 million dollars from the general fund budget. Departments have, per the Governor’s request, submitted proposals for a 10% reduction in their general fund budgets. These proposed cuts are severe, and if enacted, will result in the elimination or reduction of several critical programs for vulnerable populations in Yellowstone County, including the elderly, children in foster care, and students. Many of the proposed cuts to the Montana general fund trigger simultaneous federal cuts.
The Legislative Finance Committee met on Oct 4 and 5 to review the proposed cuts and to gave a recommendation to the Governor. Governor Bullock will review their input and decide on his final budget. From there, the balanced budget must be enacted, per state law. The Governor or a majority of legislators can call for a special session to consider legislation which could potentially lessen the severity of the cuts through temporary or new revenue, or other measures.