money

Jim Elliott writes, "The very wealthy have certainly earned their wealth, but does that entitle them to use their money and the influence it brings to encourage government policies that brings them even more wealth and power?"

“The Montana Plan” is a campaign to put a ballot measure before voters in 2026 that would seek to redefine corporations’ powers so they don’t include political spending.

The lawmakers want to see states play a larger role in guaranteed income programs, which aim to help residents in need by handing out no-strings-attached cash.

A day after the Montana House officially sent the main state budget bill to the Senate, it’s already moving quickly through the process.

Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, claims American taxpayers could receive a $5,000 refund from the federal government — despite no apparent support in Congress, which controls the nation’s purse strings.

Montana’s minimum wage could be increased to $12.06 an hour if a bill introduced to the House on Monday passes.

Lela Graham writes, "Rather than placing new regulations on peer-to-peer platforms, the Senate should focus on strengthening law enforcement, educating the public about financial scams, and increasing penalties to deter scammers."

Advocates say the programs can be administered more efficiently than traditional government assistance programs, and research suggests they increase not only financial stability but also mental and physical health.

Uplift Harris, established using a $20.5 million federal grant under the American Rescue Plan Act, would give 1,928 Harris County residents $500 per month for 18 months, which they can use as they see fit.

The programs are generally aimed at people making poverty-level wages who then receive between $500 to $1,000 a month from the government, depending on the program.