Wonky Word: Co-Ops Montanans don't get much choice in who supplies their electricity, and even less input on how co-ops and investor-owned companies make decisions that impact everyone. That's why we need to help make our grid more democratic. Learn more: montanabudget.org/report/pb_trib…

It's back to school season! For working families to be set up for success, we need to fund schools, libraries, and childcare programs for school-age kids. Learn more here: montanabudget.org/post/where_chi…

NUMBER OF THE WEEK: 96% Medicaid expansion supports cooks, cleaners, childcare workers, agriculture workers, and many other workers whose labor is essential to everyday life. Learn more: montanabudget.org/post/medicaid-…

WONKY WORD: Tribal Tax Authority State governments have challenged Tribal governments’ right to levy taxes within their reservations. Tribal governments provide many of the same services as other governments without the usual tax revenue. Learn more here: montanabudget.org/report/policy-…

September is #HungerActionMonth. Montana’s denial of food assistance to children and families has made it an outlier even. Montana must end its recent trend of denial, and help families and children in need.

NUMBER OF THE WEEK: 31% Nearly a third of Montana Medicaid members have a behavioral health diagnosis. That's why Montana must continue its current Medicaid program to make use of recent investments in the behavioral health system. Learn more here: montanabudget.org/post/behaviora…

Happy #NationalGrandparentsDay! Elders are pillars of our communities and deserve love and support.

NEW REPORT: Get to know the different types of land in Indian Country, how the harm done by past policies lingers today, and solutions to those wrongs — all in our new policy basics on land status. Check it out here: montanabudget.org/report/policy-…

Check out this quote from a teacher in Lewistown struggling to afford the cost of living because of the housing affordability crisis. To learn more about the cost of rentals in Montana, check out our Rental Affordability Report below:

Creating safe and healthy environments for children is an essential part of making Montana's child care network more robust. Learn more here: montanafreepress.org/2024/09/11/in-…

NUMBER OF THE WEEK: 12% New data published this week from the American Community Survey show poverty declined slightly in Montana in 2023. However, 12 percent of children in Montana still live in poverty.

Child Care Resource and Referral agencies develop expertise they put to use serving local families. More here: missoulian.com/news/state-reg…

Medicaid county fact sheets are out! Come see how Medicaid benefits our friends, families, and neighbors with detailed data on enrollment, preventive services, and business support for all 56 counties in the state. More here: healthymontana.org

The power to tax is an important government function. But why do Tribes face hurdles when trying to exercise taxation authority? The answer lies at the intersection of sovereignty, citizenship, land, and jurisdiction — learn more here: montanabudget.org/report/policy-…

Check out this quote from a University of Montana graduate struggling to afford the cost of housing in Missoula. To learn more about ways to help alleviate the housing crisis, check out our blog post on policy suggestions from the Governor’s Housing Task Force.