Montana's leaders need to improve outcomes for women and their families dealing with the criminal legal system. https://www.belgrade-news.com/opinion/effective-policies-to-support-women-involved-in-the-criminal-legal-system/article_e7157b8d-70e4-4644-b586-2b35290b0f4b.amp.html

Supportive housing policies to increase community shelter capacity for the houseless population are needed to make sure everyone in our community can have a roof over their heads. Learn more in our new report: https://www.montanabudget.org/post/access-to-housing

Wonky Word: MICWA The protections guaranteed by MICWA are crucial, especially as the state works to reduce inequality in the foster care system. Learn more about how MICWA works and what we can do to help it: https://www.montanabudget.org/post/policy-basics-montana-indian-child-welfare-act-micwa

Equipped with an understanding of sovereignty and taxation authority, states and Tribes can build economic partnerships that benefit everyone while still honoring treaty rights.Learn more: https://www.montanabudget.org/post/policy-basics-revenue

"The Montana Budget and Policy Center released a report last week, arguing that Montana currently has one of the least regressive state tax systems, but a general sales tax would change that." More: https://missoulacurrent.com/sales-tax-impacts/

February is #BlackHistoryMonth. Today, let's acknowledge the impact Black Americans have had on Montana's history. Black communities have shaped our past, as well as our future.

NUMBER OF THE WEEK: A statewide sales tax places a greater burden on Montana residents, with 88% of the tax being paid by residents. It also disproportionately impacts low and moderate-income households. Learn more: https://www.montanabudget.org

NEW REPORT: The Indian Child Welfare Act is an essential support for American Indian children and families. Learn how it works federally and in Montana, as well as how we can improve it for generations to come: https://www.montanabudget.org/post/policy-basics-montana-indian-child-welfare-act-micwa

Things like sales taxes and expanded excise taxes place a greater burden on low-income families, and those burdens get bigger as inflation increases. Learn more: https://www.montanabudget.org/post/a-statewide-sales-tax-would-hurt-montana-families

The federal budget is going to have a sizeable impact on Montanans who rely on Medicaid expansion for access to care. Learn more here: https://www.belgrade-news.com/opinion/h-r-1-impacts-to-montana-medicaid-expansion/article_c5a9b8d9-4d49-43dc-a87c-47bd20c3ee6b.html

A statewide sales tax would mean more of the burden placed on the shoulder's of Montana's everyday working people, shifting the responsibility away from the wealthiest. Learn more: https://www.montanabudget.org/post/a-statewide-sales-tax-would-hurt-montana-families

For 50 years, Montanans have voted against sales taxes. They know a sales tax would hurt working families the most, because people with less money end up paying more of what they earn on everyday purchases. More: https://www.montanabudget.org/post/a-statewide-sales-tax-would-hurt-montana-families

Work requirements don't just ask more of people who need health care. Research shows they lead to fewer people covered overall, as the extra paperwork and reporting causes eligible people to fall through the cracks. More here: https://montanabudget.org/post/hr1_impacts_medicaid

WONKY WORD: Medicaid Redeterminations New federal rules mean Medicaid check-ins are happening twice as often—making it easier for people to lose coverage over missed paperwork. Learn more here: https://montanabudget.org/post/hr1_impacts_medicaid

NEW BLOG: As the state works to implement new federal requirements, it needs to be careful, intentional, and prepared to ensure that it doesn’t needlessly remove eligible Montanans from Medicaid Expansion. Read more here: https://montanabudget.org/post/hr1_impacts_medicaid

MBPC celebrates the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. May his legacy live on in the hope of a equal and equitable future for all Americans, free from discrimination and racial prejudice.

SNAP is essential for Montana's families and local economies. That's why we need to ask representatives in Congress: include a provision in the January funding bill that extends the current two-year cost shift to all states, and keeps states from having to cover the gap.

#ICYMI: We've got a whole lot of excellent blogs and reports from our dedicated policy analysts. Come learn about all the data that can help shape Montana's future for the better: https://montanabudget.org/blog

New federal proposals would make states pay based on their SNAP error rates, straining state budgets. The new law gives some, but not all, states up to 2 years to reduce their error rates. All states should have equal time to improve accuracy and protect beneficiaries.

On #EarnedIncomeAwarenessDay, let's shine a light on the thousands of families living on low or moderate incomes, who use an Earned Income Tax Credit to help support their households every year.

"The Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation is 100% federal trust land, according to data from the Office of Public Instruction cited by [MBPC]." https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/chouteau-county-moves-forward-with-new-district-favoring-tribes/article_8ef4b077-37e6-48e9-a1f7-e9bdd95e0bc6.amp.html

Most Montana households saw some amount of relief on property taxes, but there are still ways that we can target relief to those who need it most while making our tax policy less regressive. More here and in bio: https://montanabudget.org/post/property-taxes-are-in

#OnThisDay in 1964, President Johnson announced a "war on poverty," leading to the creation of vital and iconic federal programs like Head Start, TRiO, and Job Corps. It's more important than ever to defend and protect programs that promote economic prosperity for all.

Due to legislation passed in 2025, a majority of Montanans saw their property taxes drop in 2025. Learn more here: https://montanabudget.org/post/property-taxes-are-in

This week, we've been sharing MBPC staff's favorite data points from the year that was. Today, Policy Analyst Andria Schafer looks at how many Montanans have been able to access health care through Medicaid expansion, as well as the work advocates still have ahead of them.

We're sharing more of our staff's favorite data points from 2025! MAC Coordinator Grace Decker highlights the strong support that child care advocates came out swinging with during the 2025 Legislative session.

We're sharing our staff's favorite data points from 2025! Today, Director of KIDS COUNT Xanna Burg speaks on a proven method for reducing turnover rates for childcare workers.

We're sharing our staff's favorite data points from 2025 all this week! Next up is Director of Research Rose Bender, sharing a point that shines light on how property tax burdens have shifted. More info can be found here and in bio: https://montanabudget.org/post/property-taxes-are-in

All this week, we'll be sharing our MBPC staff's favorite data points of the year, highlighting some of the most interesting and striking stats from 2025! First up, our housing policy analyst Aubrey Godbey!

#ICYMI Tax Fairness, supporting women in the criminal legal system, and more: take a look at our recent blogs and reports to learn about creating a more equitable Montana, one step at a time. It's all at montanabudget.org#ICYMI

Happy #InternationalMigrantsDay! Today we celebrate the cultures, stories, and strengths that each migrant brings to our communities. Together, we make a stronger Montana, and a better future!

Congratulations to Katie Fire Thunder on her appointment to HD 59's House seat! In her role as a Legislative Aide, Katie worked with MBPC to advance policy that sought to create a more equal and affordable Montana, and we're sure she'll continue to do the same in office. Thanks, Katie!

Today, Charlie Brereton, Director of the Department of Public Health and Human Services is reporting updates to the legislature and the impacts of H.R. 1 and how those changes will be implemented. Here are the top 10 concerns that Montanans should pay attention to:

NEW BLOG: The state can do more to invest in programs to support women and families who may intersect with the criminal legal system. https://montanabudget.org/post/effective-policies-to-support-women-involved-in-the-criminal-legal-system

Montana doesn't just have the second highest incarceration rate per capita for the United States, it has the second-highest per capita rate in the world, second only to South Dakota, and outpacing per capita rates for entire countries, including the U.S., China, and Canada. Stay tuned for more.

Hundreds of thousands could lose vital assistance they need to keep their families housed and able to stay in work, school, and so much more. Learn more here and in bio: https://www.cbpp.org/blog/analyzing-the-census-bureaus-2024-poverty-income-and-health-insurance-data

Two out of three Montana workers on Medicaid have jobs. They work hard but can't get health insurance from their employers. On Universal Health Coverage Day, we stand for everyone's right to affordable health care. #UHCDay. More: https://montanabudget.org/report/montana-workers-use-medicaid

“The state has spent millions... defending unconstitutional bills... Not only do these laws create barriers to voting, they also add significant costs to the state.” More: https://dailymontanan.com/2025/11/26/new-voting-law-cost-counties-more-money-added-work-for-staff-blocked-ballots/

Economic security, housing, and access to healthcare aren't just policy issues. They're human rights. In Montana, budget decisions are moral decisions, shaping who thrives and who struggles to get by. On #HumanRightsDay, let's focus on policy that works for *all* Montanans.

Many Montanans rely on Medicaid and CHIP as part of the programs that keep them healthy, housed, and in the workforce.

A statewide sales tax hits families living on lower and middle incomes the hardest. We have options for raising revenue that don't involve placing the highest burden on working class households. Learn more here and in bio: https://montanabudget.org/report/sales_tax_2025

Many Montanans stand to lose vital subsidies that make ACA marketplace plans affordable. Learn more here: https://montanafreepress.org/2025/12/01/montanans-brace-for-health-insurance-increases/

A statewide sales tax would make Montana's tax system more regressive, placing a greater burden on families living on middle and low incomes. Learn more here: https://montanabudget.org/report/sales_tax_2025

Today on World AIDS Day, we remember those we've lost, honor those living with HIV, and recommit to fighting stigma and ensuring access to prevention, treatment, and care for all Montanans. #WorldAIDSDay

For Thanksgiving, MBPC invites you to explore issues affecting Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities. Take a look at the challenges Tribes face trying to fund services and infrastructure through taxation. Read here and in bio: https://montanabudget.org/report/policy-basics-taxation-authority

This Thanksgiving, take a closer look at how Tribes define their citizenship, and how American Indian identity has changed over time: https://montanabudget.org/report/pb-tribal-citizenship

It's Thanksgiving week, and MBPC invites you to explore issues affecting Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities. Today, learn about types of land that make up Indian Country, and potential solutions to past wrongs: https://montanabudget.org/report/policy-basics-land-status-of-indian-country-2

"Looking at the breakdown of people who need access to the expanded insurance, 66% are working full-time or part-time, 13% of the enrollees are disabled and 18% are caretakers or students."

Number of the Week: 4,898 Students who are houseless face more barriers to succedding in school, including factors that may lead to higher chronic absence rates. That's why we need to provide them and their families support and resources. #NationalHomelessYouthAwarenessMonth

November is #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth! MBPC celebrates Tribal communities, and all the incredible contributions they make each and every day. Learn how Montana's Indian Country is building community and preparing for the future here: https://montanabudget.org/report/2025-tribal-state-impacts