Bullock's budget provides for education and Medicaid

Gov. Steve Bullock presented a first look at his proposed 2016-2017 budget on Nov. 17. The budget calls for increasing general fund spending by 5.6 percent in FY 2016 and 2.8 percent in FY 2017.

The Democratic governor’s budget calls for no general tax increases or decreases, except for an apprenticeship tax credit for businesses. General fund revenue is projected to grow by 7 percent in fiscal 2016 and by 6 percent in fiscal 2017.

The Montana Legislature will consider the governor’s proposed budget after they convene in January. Republicans hold a majority in both chambers.

“The budget is a reflection of the values of our state,” Bullock said at a press conference. “Montanans recognize that our state is outperforming the nation, and we can continue this through responsible fiscal management and thoughtful investments in priorities like jobs, education, health care and infrastructure.”

He said his proposed budget “provides a steady vision for Montana’s future that will ensure our state continues to thrive.”

Highlights of Bullock’s proposed budget include:

•  Leave a $300 million budget surplus as of mid-2017 to ensure the state is ready to weather any rainy day.

• Expand Medicaid to provide health care coverage to 70,000 Montanans, while reducing medical costs.

• Provide $300 million in grants and money raised from issuing bonds to fund public works projects around the state, including $45 million to Eastern Montana communities impacted by oil and gas development.

• Freeze tuition for Montana students at state colleges and universities for two more years at a cost of $44 million.

• Provide an apprenticeship tax credit for businesses that allow Montanans “to earn while they learn” career skills, whether in blue-collar or white-collar jobs at a cost of $23 million,

• Continue investments in the K-12 public education system.

• Create a voluntary early childhood education program, called Early Edge, for every four-year-old at a cost of $37 million.

• Invest in the state’s mental health system to provide “a continuum of care” for safe and effective treatments of individuals with mental illness.