Montana Republican leaders call on governor to cut budget [View all]

Republican leaders of the Legislature called on Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock Thursday to make cuts to the state budget, anticipating a loss of revenue due to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Bullock said cuts were not immediately needed, crediting the state's reserve funds and swift response to the coronavirus.

The leaders met with Bullock to discuss their concerns. Bullock said that Montana has been able to reopen its economy faster than other states thanks to its early response and low infection rate.

"Because of that, we've reopened much quicker," Bullock said. "From the peak of unemployment, about 30,000 Montanans are now back working."

Montana currently has 563 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the lowest of any state.

Read more: https://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/montana-republican-leaders-call-on-governor-to-cut-budget/article_4f6469ee-1f35-5221-8c0a-766c21873e97.html