For the third time in as many Legislative sessions, Montana lawmakers are considering a bill that would establish an insurance program providing paid medical leave for families. Rep. Moffie Funk, D-Helena, introduced House Bill 228 to members of the House Business and Labor Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 10. Former Rep. Jennifer Eck, D-Helena, first introduced the bill in 2017, when the committee

impact businesses that can already afford trade education for their laborers, but provide the financial support needed by those that can’t. House Democrats criticized Republicans’ tax-cutting approach to revitalizing the economy, saying it favors wealthy corporations and the rich. “In terms of a tax credit like the one Representative Jones proposed, it’s an inefficient way to be

Casey Olson has been on a drill rig since 1991. Back then, Olson worked at a mineral exploration company, and though the work was “breakback,” learning the equipment wasn’t too difficult. Fast forward 30 years later, he’s now running Rabco Services as an independent well drilling contractor in Columbia Falls and Olson says the technology is rapidly outpacing the knowledge of new workers,

A bill, sponsored by Rep. Frank Smith, D-Poplar, regarding the labeling of American grown beef and pork items had a committee meeting in the Montana Legislature on Thursday, Feb. 11. House Bill 324 would require a placard of Country of Origin on beef or pork products. Smith noted similar bills have been heard during other sessions. “This one is definitely different,” Smith told the House’s

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has offered internships to college students for 30 years. Opportunities in 2021 can be found on our FWP website at: https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/ employment; click on “Internships.” College students are given an opportunity to gain practical experience in their field of study by serving as interns for the agency. Students take what they learn in the

The Southwest Power Pool asked members to shed usage loads in its service territory Feb. 16. SPP oversees the bulk electric grid and wholesale power market in the central United States on behalf of a diverse group of utilities and transmission companies in 17 states. At press time, messages on local utilities’ social media pages urged area residents to conserve electric usage and expect some

District to reopen four days a week (Plan A) starting Monday, Nov. 2. Classes began on that day for Wolf Point High School, Wolf Point Junior High School and Northside Elementary Schools. Classes resumed at Southside Elementary Wednesday, Nov. 11. For Frontier Elementary School, classes are back in session Students in grades K-2 and 5-8 will attend Monday through Friday. Thirdgrade students

The Roosevelt County Library Main has returned to normal hours, according to library director Janet Livingston. She told the Northern Plains Independent that patrons may visit for 30 minutes per day for computer use or book browsing. Curbside service will be ongoing. Livingston also reported vacancies on the library board. One board member each from Poplar and Wolf Point are needed to fill

According to Montana State University Extension, some Montanans can qualify for state and federal tax credits that may provide funds for working families with children. Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension family economics specialist, said Montanans should look into the earned income tax credit, the federal government’s largest program for helping working Americans. Created in 1975, the EITC is