HELENA - Lawmakers on the House Taxation committee took their first look at a bill Thursday that would change the way Montana’s renewable energy tax credit works.  Under current law, people who put solar panels on their roofs get a $500 income tax credit. House Bill 17, sponsored by Rep. Jim Hamilton, D-Bozeman, would turn that tax credit into a tax refund, which he said … [Read more...] about 2021 Legislature: Committee considers solar tax credit bill

As I read of the use of federal officers sent to Portland against the wishes of the governor of Oregon and the mayor of Portland for the purpose of “protecting federal property,” I thought of these words from the Declaration of Independence enumerating one of the reasons for rejecting the rule of the British king: “He [King George III] has kept among us, in times of peace, … [Read more...] about Montana Viewpoint: Defending government property at the expense of liberty

Lightening peppered the The Lolo National Forest on Wednesday night, sparking several small fires. Forest officials on Thursday said 300 lightning strikes were tracked across the Missoula and Ninemile ranger districts, resulting in two small fires. “Although firefighters were able to effectively contain and control these fires, fire officials would like to remind the … [Read more...] about 300 lightning strikes spark 2 fires on Missoula, Ninemile ranger districts

As dozens of Missoulians spent their Monday afternoon engaging in a conversation about the state of mental health in the city, the irony was not lost. Susan Hay Patrick, chair of the City Club of Missoula, pointed to the uncomfortable reality of the situation. “We’re not all in the same room together, and that can be especially frustrating when we’re discussing mental health … [Read more...] about Missoula professionals gather to discuss mental health at Missoula forum