Bullock To Deliver Final Montana State Of The State Address

Gov. Steve Bullock will deliver his final State of the State address at 7 p.m. Thursday to a joint session of the Montana Legislature.

The Great Falls Tribune reports Bullock is expected to highlight legislative priorities for the current session, including passing a budget that provides a “meaningful reserve" for a rainy day.

The governor’s proposed budget included funds to continue a Medicaid expansion program that ensures 96,000 low-income residents and is scheduled to expire next year. $292 million would fund infrastructure projects, and $30 million would go toward early childhood education, leaving a $300 million ending balance.

Bullock also proposed raising an additional $50 million per year on tax increases to hotel rooms, rental cars, tobacco, liquor and investment advisors, a proposal the Republican-led legislature has called a “non-starter.”

State Sen. Scott Sales will offer a Republican response after Bullock’s speech.

Bullock will remain as governor until 2020, but the State of the State address is only given when the Legislature is in session.

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