Montana Budget & Policy Center
@montanabudget.bsky.social
MBPC is a nonprofit organization providing research and analysis on budget, tax, and economic issues.
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.
December 15, 2025 at 9:30 PM
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
December 12, 2025 at 11:33 PM
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
December 11, 2025 at 11:20 PM
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/
December 10, 2025 at 11:30 PM
“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.
December 9, 2025 at 11:21 PM
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.
December 8, 2025 at 11:21 PM
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
December 5, 2025 at 11:45 PM
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/
December 4, 2025 at 11:11 PM
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
December 3, 2025 at 9:30 PM
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
December 1, 2025 at 6:35 PM
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
https://montanabudget.org/report/policy-basics-taxation-authority
November 28, 2025 at 12:09 AM
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
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
November 26, 2025 at 11:09 PM
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
November 25, 2025 at 11:40 PM
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."
November 24, 2025 at 11:41 PM
"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
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 21, 2025 at 9:40 PM
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
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
November 20, 2025 at 11:39 PM
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
WONKY WORD: Housing First
Housing is a necessity for all of us. When we put housing first, we help set a foundation for a healthy, productive life. More: https://community.solutions/what-is-housing-first/
Housing is a necessity for all of us. When we put housing first, we help set a foundation for a healthy, productive life. More: https://community.solutions/what-is-housing-first/
November 19, 2025 at 11:07 PM
WONKY WORD: Housing First
Housing is a necessity for all of us. When we put housing first, we help set a foundation for a healthy, productive life. More: https://community.solutions/what-is-housing-first/
Housing is a necessity for all of us. When we put housing first, we help set a foundation for a healthy, productive life. More: https://community.solutions/what-is-housing-first/
A large portion of Montana's children rely on SNAP benefits on a daily basis. We have to make sure that those benefits are protected on a long-term basis. More: https://dailymontanan.com/briefs/snap-benefits-paid-dphhs-confirmed/
November 18, 2025 at 11:46 PM
A large portion of Montana's children rely on SNAP benefits on a daily basis. We have to make sure that those benefits are protected on a long-term basis. More: https://dailymontanan.com/briefs/snap-benefits-paid-dphhs-confirmed/
NUMBER OF THE WEEK: 80%
Most Montana households saw their property taxes fall from 2024 to 2025, but there's still some key ways the Legislature can help deliver assistance to homeowners and renters who need it the most.
More here: https://montanabudget.org/post/property-taxes-are-in
Most Montana households saw their property taxes fall from 2024 to 2025, but there's still some key ways the Legislature can help deliver assistance to homeowners and renters who need it the most.
More here: https://montanabudget.org/post/property-taxes-are-in
November 14, 2025 at 11:00 PM
NUMBER OF THE WEEK: 80%
Most Montana households saw their property taxes fall from 2024 to 2025, but there's still some key ways the Legislature can help deliver assistance to homeowners and renters who need it the most.
More here: https://montanabudget.org/post/property-taxes-are-in
Most Montana households saw their property taxes fall from 2024 to 2025, but there's still some key ways the Legislature can help deliver assistance to homeowners and renters who need it the most.
More here: https://montanabudget.org/post/property-taxes-are-in
At a time of extreme housing needs, the current Administration is proposing to drastically cut the Homeless Continuum of Care Funding. This Trump Administration proposal could eliminate or greatly reduce our Montana Permanent Supportive Housing Programs.
November 13, 2025 at 10:02 PM
At a time of extreme housing needs, the current Administration is proposing to drastically cut the Homeless Continuum of Care Funding. This Trump Administration proposal could eliminate or greatly reduce our Montana Permanent Supportive Housing Programs.
February 27, 2025 at 10:41 PM
#HB154, the Housing Fairness Tax Credit, has PASSED its second reading! MT is one step closer to passing the most effective property tax bill this session, providing relief to Montana families dealing with rising housing costs! Tell your representative to keep voting YES on #HB154! #MTleg #MTpol
February 26, 2025 at 10:56 PM