Montana businesses have received more than $2 billion in federal aid
Montana businesses have received more than $1.75 billion in mostly no-payback federal loans from the Paycheck Protection Program, according to figures released this week. The U.S. Small Business Administration reported Monday that 22,583 loans had been issued to Montana businesses. The program is by far the largest source of small business assistance offered by the federal government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. By comparison, the state government received $1.25 billion to cover COVID-19 expenses, including expenses of local governments. “Montana certainly took advantage of that program,” said Brent Donnelly, Montana district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration. “As
Daines Sends Bipartisan Letter to USDA on Regulatory Relief for the Meat Processing Industry
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today sent a bipartisan letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue asking him to consider four areas for regulatory and programmatic reform in the meat processing industry. “When high-capacity processing facilities experienced outbreaks amongst employees, operations were forced to shut-off or slow down production, leaving the rancher with livestock they could not move and the consumer with either empty grocery shelves or overpriced products,” Daines wrote. “These pitfalls can be avoided in the future if we take action today to promote a diversified food supply chain. Regulations must be streamlined to
Daines Announces $1 Million for Montana Department of Justice to Continue Fight Against Meth Epidemic
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that the Montana Department of Justice will receive a $1 million grant as part of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Anti-Methamphetamine Program under the Department of Justice. This program provides funding to law enforcement to aid them in slowing the purchasing and distribution of meth that is ravaging Montana communities and families. “This funding will help support our law enforcement and give them resources and tools needed to protect our communities from Montana’s devastating meth crisis,” Daines said. Daines’ Work to Combat Montana’s Drug Epidemic: Last December, Daines voted for a
Daines Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Create Jobs, Support Montana Outfitters and Guides Economically Impacted by COVID-19
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced a bipartisan bill that will provide economic opportunities for Montana’s outfitters and guides impacted by COVID-19 and related travel restrictions. The bipartisan “Trail Stewardship for Economic Recovery Act” will provide funding for outfitters & guides to conduct trail maintenance projects on Forest Service lands. “Montana’s outfitters and guides have seen a drastic decline in business due to the coronavirus pandemic and the travel restrictions that have been put in to place,” Daines said. “My bipartisan bill will help our outfitters and guides make ends meet by creating jobs and new opportunities
Montana receiving health care training funds
Montana’s U.S. senators announced Monday that Montana universities are receiving nearly $1 million in federal funding for health care workforce training. Releases from the offices of Sens. Jon Tester, D-Mont., and Steve Daines, R-Mont., said University of Montana in Missoula will receive $438,278 and Montana State University in Bozeman will receive $344,880. The release from Tester’s office said UM’s funding will be for a program that trains medical residents in rural and underserved areas, and MSU’s will be for scholarships to increase diversity in the health care workforce. The funds are coming through the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Daines Secures $834,158 for Healthcare Training in Montana
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is distributing $834,158 to Montana universities to help increase the healthcare workforce in rural and underserved communities. “I’m glad to have helped secure this funding which is critical to ensuring our rural and underserved communities are taken care of,” Daines said. “This funding will help improve the quality, distribution, and diversity of health professionals working across Montana.” Montana State University received $344,880 and the University of Montana received $489,278 that will help train more healthcare workers
Daines to introduce bill raising fine for landing aircraft in wilderness areas
Montana’s Republican Sen. Steve Daines announced Friday a plan to introduce a bill increasing the penalties for landing aircraft in designated wilderness areas. Landing a helicopter in a wilderness area is considered a federal misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of a $500 fine, six months in prison or both. Daines’ bill will propose raising that fine to $20,000. “Montanans value wilderness for the solitude it provides and the adventure that is involved to travel to so many beautiful locations. My bill will make folks with a deep pocket think twice before entering our pristine wilderness areas unlawfully,” Daines said
Daines: Montana’s Wilderness Shouldn’t Be Used as a Playground for the Rich & Famous
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced he will be introducing a bill that would increase the penalties for landing any unauthorized aerial vehicles on designated wilderness areas in national forests. His bill will raise the maximum penalty to $20,000. “Montana’s wilderness shouldn’t be taken advantage of and exploited as a playground for the rich and famous,” Daines said. “Montanans value wilderness for the solitude it provides and the adventure that is involved to travel to so many beautiful locations. My bill will make folks with a deep pocket think twice before entering our pristine wilderness areas unlawfully.”
Letter to the editor: Passage of Great American Outdoors Act is a win
The Great American Outdoors Act passed the Senate on Wednesday, which is a huge win for our national parks and public lands. While our country is obviously going through a very difficult time, this represents a bipartisan effort to preserve our nation’s natural beauty. This legislation addresses the $12 billion National Parks Service deferred maintenance backlog and permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund. In Montana, our national parks are my weekend getaway. Being outside helps me clear my mind and just connect with the great outdoors, which is even more important now. It’s not only me, but many