Montana’s Republican lawmakers recently gathered for their annual platform convention gathering in Billings to set forth the party’s position on major issues facing the Treasure State. State GOP leaders discussed the issues that are affecting their districts, including economic stability for rural communities, regulations, workforce development and tax reform.    

The entire state is facing a severe labor shortage, with more people retiring than entering the workforce. In fact, a top challenge facing manufacturers is a lack of access to skilled workers. Lawmakers discussed their thoughts on how the state should address the supply and demand gap.

As coal production declines, Montana is seeing a drop in coal jobs. Natural gas has taken over coal as the most common source of energy.  Officials discussed how the state can help workers successfully transition to a more diversified economy.

Montana is rich in renewable energy resources. The state is also known for its public spaces, which are also an attraction for start-up tech companies. State lawmakers discussed how the state can realize its full energy capabilities and strike a balance between development and preservation.

At the end of 2017, the GOP was lauding a new tax reform law.  Halfway through 2018, state lawmakers discussed how the new tax laws impacted their constituents and their districts.

At the end of 2017, the GOP was lauding a new tax reform law.  Halfway through 2018, state lawmakers discussed how the new tax laws impacted their constituents and their districts.