Author: Press Room

Lawmakers Propose Reform to Help Farmers Amid Mass Deportations

20 May 2025
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By Tim Clouser, The Center Square

As farmers grapple with the impact of mass deportations, federal lawmakers proposed a bill to reform the H-2A visa program for those seeking a legal agricultural workforce.

Congress established the visa program in 1952 to temporarily allow foreign farmworkers to work in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 42% of hired farmworkers had no authorization to work in the country from 2020 to 2022, down from 55% from 1999 to 2001. 

The U.S. Government Accountability Office asked federal agencies to improve oversight of the H-2A program last year. From 2018 to 2023, the number of approved jobs and visas increased by over 50%, as 84% of investigations into employers found violations affecting 66,819 workers.

“Reintroducing the Farm Workforce Modernization Act sends a clear message to farmers that we are working hard to find solutions that ease the burdens brought on by the current state of the H-2A program,” U.S. Rep Dan Newhouse, R, Wash., wrote in a news release.

Newhouse proposed the bill alongside U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., after she attempted to push it through in 2019, 2021 and 2023. The House of Representatives passed it twice, but the Senate never did. If approved this time, it could create a legal pathway to residency for farmworkers.

The bill allows undocumented individuals who have worked at least 180 days over the last two years to apply for a certified agricultural worker status. If approved, they could stay for about five years before renewing their status, with spouses and children eligible for dependent status.

If a worker has 10 years of agricultural experience before Congress passes the bill, they would qualify for a green card after four more years under a certified worker status. Those with less than 10 years of experience must complete another eight years before receiving a permanent status.

The bill also responds to the GAO’s concerns around the H-2A program, particularly the lack of an electronic processing system for applications. Employers currently have to mail all those documents.

Income for Montanans

20 May 2025
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In almost all categories, earnings in Montana is near the bottom in almost all categories. The following stats, presented by the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank, compare income distribution from 2005 to 2019 in Montana based on race.

Average white earnings in Montana is $31,000 as compared to the national average of all races $35,610. Montana’s average is below that of all neighboring states and in fact is the lowest in the nation.

Average Hispanic earnings in Montana is $24,110 or 78% of white earnings – also the lowest in the nation.

Average Black earnings in Montana is $24,800 or 80% of average white earnings.

Average Asian earnings is $20,780 in Montana, 96% of average white earnings. In 2019, nationally average Asian earnings was $49,520, which was 126% of average white earnings at $39,330 and higher than the overage average earnings in the US at $35,610.

Average American Indian or Alaska Native earnings in Montana is $20,790.

Average Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander earnings in Montana is $29,810.

Ford Continues Losses on EVs

20 May 2025
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In the first quarter of 2022, when the company announced it would spend some $50 billion on electric vehicles, Ford’s stock sold for more than $20. Today, Ford’s shares are trading for less than $11, according to Robert Bryce in substack.com.

The bad news for Ford Motor Company’s shareholders is that the company continues to lose big money on every EV it sells. The soupçon of good news is that those losses appear to be shrinking a bit.

Ford announced its first-quarter results, which include EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) of $1 billion. Those results would have been far better had it not lost $849 million on its Model E segment. Ford sold 22,550 EVs in the first quarter. That means it lost about $37,650 for each EV sold. (h/t to JL.) In a press release, the company addressed the EV business, saying it “remains focused on improving gross margins and exercising a disciplined approach to investments in battery facilities and next-generation products.”

Ford has been hemorrhaging money on EVs for three years.

Expanding Medicaid

20 May 2025
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Under great pressure from hospitals in Montana, that depend heavily from government reimbursements, the Montana State Legislature approved a bill to continue Montana’s Medicaid expansion program. House Bill 245 will subsidize health care for low-income adults between 18 and 65 year olds.  It was supported by the Montana Chamber of Commerce, the Montana Hospital Association, the Montana Medical Association, and other industry associations, and tribal governments. Concerned about costs to the budget, most of the opposition came from Republicans, who worried about impacts on the state budget should the federal government reduce funding for the program. It is also considered by some representatives as a forerunner to socialized medicine. 

Other health care access was provided by other bills, such as House Bill 881, which allows families to buy into Medicaid to access benefits for children with disabilities. Senate Bill 72 grants broader eligibility for Medicaid. Senate Bill 319 funds reimbursements for emotional, physical, and educational support for new parents  through Medicaid, and House Bill 585 increases reimbursement rates for physical therapists and occupational therapists who see Medicaid patients. 

Election Tough on Levies

20 May 2025
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While across the state voters approved increased levy requests for four communities, voters were not so generous in Yellowstone County.

Voters approved levy increases for school districts in Missoula, Bozeman, Helena and Kalispell, while Belgrade voters rejected their request. In Yellowstone County School all four requested levies were defeated in Laurel —  for the elementary building reserve, 1,525 to 1,187; for the elementary general fund, 1,596 to 1,119; for the high school building reserve 1472 to 1,144 and for the high school general fund 1,534 to 1090. Mill levies were also defeated for Canyon Creek School District #4, 394 to 263; at Elder Grove School District #8, 914 to 468.

The levy requested by Elysian School District #23 passed 387 to 347.

The widely heralded STARS Act passed the state legislature which is expected to subsidize pay increases for teachers pay for districts throughout the state.

Coalition Urges Reversal of Gas Car Ban

20 May 2025
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Kenneth Schrupp, The Center Square

Dozens of groups are urging Congress to overturn the Biden administration’s approval of California’s gas car ban, under which new gas-powered cars must be 100% zero-emission by 2035 and 35% for the model year 2026 vehicles already starting to arrive at dealers.

The rules apply not only to California, but Washington, D.C. and the 11 other states that have signed on to adopt California’s gas-car-banning emissions standards, making up 40% of the U.S. market.

The letter’s 26 signatories include the California Policy Center, a center-right think tank, and Citizens for Prosperity, a libertarian advocacy group.

ZEV market share in California declined from 22% in 2024 to 20.8% in the first quarter of 2025, leading Toyota to say the state’s ZEV targets are “impossible” to meet. To hit 35%, ZEV market share would need to increase 68% practically overnight.

Carmakers earn credits for selling qualifying battery-electric and plug-in-hybrid vehicles. Those who don’t have enough credits to keep selling standard hybrid or internal combustion vehicles can purchase credits from those with excess credits, such as Tesla.

But if there aren’t enough credits to go around, carmakers could face fines of $20,000 per non-ZEV vehicle sold for each credit they are short, which has led dealers to warn they may be forced to only offer pricier plug-in-hybrid and all-electric models.

The House resolution is the last option short of a court decision or revision in the California legislature that could reverse the rule. The resolution now heads to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to be scheduled for a vote. 

Building Permits – May 15, 2025

20 May 2025
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Commercial

Riverstone Health |Cucancic Construction Inc, 123 S 27th St,. Com Addition $490,000

Griffin Automotive Enterprises|Dick Anderson Construction, 4432 S Frontage Rd, Com Remodel, $400,000

106 LLC|Lees Construction & Development LLC, 1678 Shiloh Rd, Com Remodel, $125,000

Bar MW Properties LLC|Direct Pallet Racking Properties LLC, 719 Dunham Ave, Com Remodel, $50,000

Murphy Real Estate|Murphy Real Estate LLC, 4220 State Ave, Com Remodel, $44,500

First Interstate Bank|Summit Fire & Security LLC, 1800 6th Ave N, Com Fire Systems $39,869

Yesteryears, 208 N Broadway, Com Remodel, $25,000

3’s Away LLC|Langlas & Assoc. Inc., 2270 Grant Rd, Com Remodel, $25,000

Koinonia Management Co LLC|K2 Civil Inc, 2920 1st Ave S, Demolition Permit, $24,550

Shift Holding LLC|Wolf Development LLC, 2133 King Ave W, Com Remodel, $15,000

5th Am Freebird II LLC|Environmental Contractors LLC, 3815 1st Ave S,. Demolition Permit $14,500

5th Am Freebird Ii LLC|Environmental Contractors LLC, 3815 1st Ave S,. Demolition Permit $8,000

5th Am Freebird II LLC|Environmental Contractors LLC., 3815 1st Ave S, $ Demolition Permit Commercial $582,000

5th AM Freebird II LLC|Environmental Contractors LLC, 3815 1st Ave S,. Demolition Permit, $18,000

McCall Homes |McCall Development , 6206 Rosemary Rd, Com New Townhome Shell, $1,000,000

Wal-Mart Real Estate Business Walmart, 1649 Main St, Com Remodel, $300,000

Billings Clinic |Swanke Construction – Ophthalmology Remodel, 2800 10th Ave N, Com Remodel, $244,000

United Properties Inc|Hardy Construction Co., 490 N 31st St, Com Remodel, $198,460

Northern Plains Resource Council|Onsite Energy Inc, 220 S 27th St, Com Remodel, $77,680

Galaxy Nail Salon |Barger Platinum Plumbing And Construction, 2545 Central Ave, Com Remodel, $70,000

Yellowstone Health Partnership, 123 S 27th St, Com Footing/Foundation, $60,000

Beacon Air Group, 2494 Jetway Dr, Com Footing/Foundation, $60,000

City Of Billings, 2488 Jetway Dr, Com Footing/Foundation, $60,000

Residential

Okerlund Brian Kay|Jorden Construction, 4735 Audubon Way, New Res Single Family, $1,200,000

Douglas Jordan, 1316 Cheryl St, Res New Single Family, $341,074

AZ Construction |A & Z Construction LLC, 443 Montecito Ave, Res New Single Family, $303,888

Infinity Homes |Infinity Home LLC, 2241 Greenbriar Rd, Res New Single Family, $252,640

Koinonia Management Co LLC|Langlas & Assoc. Inc., 117 S 32nd St, Res New Single Family, $153,216

Mccall Homes |Mccall Development, 6239 Eva Marie Ln, Res New Single Family, $147,260

Harris Kevin C|Freyenhagen Construction Inc, 3095 Avenue E, Res Addition Single/Duplex/Garage, $113,280

Lay Bruce L & Pamela A|Mustang Design Garage, 711 N 26th St, Res New Accessory Structure, $80,000

Hanlin Properties LLC |Dynamic Construction Solutions LLC, 1002 N 25th St, Res Remodel Single/Duplex/Garage, $75,000

Hunt Justin & Emily, 911 Ortega St, Res Remodel Single/Duplex/Garage, $54,915

Scansen Caleb & Tia M|Pinnacle Remodeling, 1842 Island View Dr, Remodel Single/Duplex/Garage, $46,000

Leon & Michelle Clause Living|Green Jeans LLC, 1261 Cherry Island Dr, Res New Single Family, $295,000

7012 Copper Bend Blvd, WH Copper Ridge 54 LLC|WH Copper Ridge 54 LLC, Res New Single Family, $256,583

Kunkel Perry Kunkel, 2420 Wyoming Ave, Res Remodel Single/Duplex/Garage, $244,634

Koinonia Management Co LLC|Langlas & Assoc. Inc, 117 S 32nd St, Res New Single Family,  $235,201

Lighthouse Homes LLC |Lighthouse Construction LLC, 1305 Tania Circle, Res New Single Family, $230,003

WH Copper Ridge 54 LLC|WH Copper Ridge 54 LLC,7006 Copper Bend Blvd, Res New Single Family $213,180

Davis Adam S & Stephanie A|Brett March Builders LLC, 1024 Eldora Ln,  Res Addition Single/Duplex/Garage, $150,000

McCall Homes |McCall Development, 6245 Eva Marie Ln, Res New Single Family,  $132,439

Jiff Mcanally |Tyrel Johnson Construction, 10 Stanford Ct, Res Remodel Single/Duplex/Garage, $100,000

Bipartisan FEMA Reform Bill Would Streamline, Depoliticize Disaster Relief

20 May 2025
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FEMA Reform Bill

By Thérèse Boudreaux, The Center Square

Long plagued by inefficiency and politicization, the Federal Emergency Management System could soon see major reforms if Congress passes bipartisan legislation that has been introduced.

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves, R-Mo., and Ranking Member Rick Larsen, D-Wash., released draft legislation that would bring transparency, efficiency, and accountability to the taxpayer-funded agency.

The 177-page FEMA Act of 2025 is still in draft form to allow feedback from lawmakers. Graves said the plan “provides the most significant and meaningful FEMA reforms since Hurricane Katrina.”

“We have clearly seen that FEMA is not working as it should for Americans who’ve been impacted by disasters,” Graves said. “This draft bill includes substantive changes that will transform FEMA and our emergency programs to be much more state and locally driven – not micromanaged into ineffectiveness by the federal government.”

One of the most important changes the plan proposes is to return FEMA to a Cabinet-level agency, streamlining government-wide responses to disasters and making the Administrator reportable — and thus accountable — to the President.

At the non-federal level, the legislation authorizes project-based grants to help states speed up rebuilding efforts, prioritize highest-need projects, and not have to shoulder as many costs. It would also enact permitting reforms to speed up rebuilding projects, and allow states to secure pre-approval for disaster mitigation projects.

FEMA would also be required to provide a single, simplified assistance application for disaster survivors and clarify its agency notices.

During the Biden administration, FEMA drew criticism for shifting its focus — and taxpayer-funded budget — away from actual disaster relief to migrant services, climate initiatives, and diversity and equity goals.

Among other actions, FEMA sent $1.4 billion taxpayer dollars to cities nationwide to pay for migrant services. As a result, FEMA ran out of funds for hurricane relief programs in 2024, delaying crucial aid to some states impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

The agency also came under fire for allegedly directing its workers to avoid directly helping Trump supporters in the aftermath of Helene, as The Center Square reported.

In light of that incident, the legislation strictly prohibits political discrimination in disaster recovery efforts. For added transparency, it requires the Office of Management and Budget to create federal disaster-assistance tracking website.

“Republican[s] and Democrats on this Committee agree that it is an important agency in need of reform,” Larsen said. “That’s why I’m proud to partner with my counterpart, Sam Graves, to release draft legislation giving FEMA the tools it needs to simplify its programs and provide quicker relief to disaster-impacted communities.”

Billings New Business Permits – April 2025

20 May 2025
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Shoot Pool And Relax, 4104 Buchanan Ave, (406) 855-3671, Muhs, Sarah, Real Estate Rental, 59101

Big Sky Bakery LLC,  dba Great Harvest Bread, 907 Poly Dr, (435) 512-7725, Lamont, Bart, Restaurants, 59102

Youtherapy PLLC, 3640 Mount Rushmore Ave, (406) 534-9201, Grubbs, McKenzie, Service, 59102

Crown Autoglass LLC, 1573 Nottingham Pl #1, (406) 894-3207, Longsioux, Jonathan, Service, 59105

Allison’s Cookie Jar, 33993 County Road 146, (406) 219-1244, Glisson, Allison, Retail Sales, Culbertson, Mt, 59218

Angel Happy Hearts, 710 1/2 N 30th St, (360) 303-1838, Honey, Alexandra, Service, 59101

Desert Ridge Construction LLC, 2167 Beloit Dr, (406) 690-2792, Marak-Heafner, Tanner,     General Contractors, 59102

Big Sky Bladez, 1310 Hardrock Ln, (406) 850-5995, Blackburn, Jake, Service, 59105

Penny R Levy, 1411 Emma Ave, (406) 860-8554, Levy, Penny, Real Estate Rental, 59105

Next Level Tutoring LLC, 708 24th St W, (406) 634-4949, Bott, Charles, Service, 59102

Effortless Co LLC, 848 Main St, (406) 384-3005, Sanchez, Michael, Retail Sales, 59105

DPK LLC, 5108 Hidden View Pl, (406) 671-7724, Wilkins, Trevor, General Contractors, 59105

Future Artist Management, 9 Prairie View Dr, (406) 694-2630, Rykowski, Mikaela, Service, 59102

Darta LLC, 1813 Norwood Ln, (406) 598-9212, Van Beck, Darin, Service,   59102

CM Custom Services LLC, 7232 Frey Rd, (406) 210-2644, Mann, Corey & Christy, Service, Shepherd, MT, 59079

N + N LLC, 20 Broadwater Ave, (956) 638-4347, Hernandez, Ignacio, Real Estate Rental, 59101

The Cleaning Lady, 2406 Brentwood Ln, (406) 591-9492, Olds, Julianna, Service, 59102

Two Hearts Suite, 6022 Norma Jean Ln, (406) 690-3228, Steingraber, Sam & Kristin, Real Estate Rental, 59101

Midgard Cleaners, 14 N 29th St, (406) 209-7040, Lopez, David, Service, 59101

Mowin ‘ And Blowin’ Seasonal Services, 7604 Neibauer Rd, (406) 591-2699, Young, Tara, Services, 59106

Peak Performance Diesel Corp, 5443 Knox Ave Unit B, (406) 839-8172, Johnson, Lukea, Auto Business, 59106

Stauffer Properties LLC, 706 Avenue F, (406) 697-5948, Stauffer, Caleb, Real Estate Rental, 59102

Hodges Landscape and Fence, 511 Eighth Avenue, (406) 861-1258, Hodges, Preston, Service, Laurel, MT, 59044

Gameday Men’s Health Billings, 993 S 24th St W Suite A, (406) 218-4933, Sessions, Tiffany, Retail Sale, 59102

IMEG Consultants Corp (N 27th St), 175 N 27th St Ste 1312, (763) 595-3104, Breher, Patti, Service, 59101

Klein Construction Dba Klein Industries, 2510 Longfellow Pl, (406) 894-8718, Klein, Eric, General Contractors, 59102

IMEG Consultant Corp (N 34th St), 200 N 34th St, (763) 595-3104, Breher, Patti, Service, 59101

Dance To Live Foundation, 209 N 29th St, (406) 561-8400, Weis, Jeff, Service, 59101

Emiliano Bustillo, 3496 Monad Rd, (406) 694-7314, Bustillo, Emiliano, Real Estate Rental, 59102

Scott D Abrams, 2901 Silverwood St, (406) 672-7144, Abrams, Scott, Real Estate Rental, 59102

Cindy Lorenz Str, 5060 Maple Ridge Circle, (406) 591-1849, Lorenz, Cindy, Real Estate Rental, 59106

Terry L Henneberry Dba Henneberry’s Janitorial, 4423 Bowman Dr, (406) 690-4478, Henneberry, Terry L, Service, 59101

Johnson Hauling LLC, 1747 Cody Dr, (406) 694-7404, Johnson, Dylan, Service, 59105

Tie Dyez By C&B LLC, 1738 Broadmoor Dr Apt 4, (406) 861-3026, Villanueva, Angel & Barbara, Retail Sales, 59105

Kleinsasser Premium Lawncare LLC 6817 Frey Rd #3, (406) 855-0181, Kleinsasser, Tom, Service, 59101

Tee2green LLC, 2901 State Ave, (303) 668-6693, Krieger, Curtis, Real Estate Rental, 59101

Accomplish Cleaning Svs, 1602 Wicks Ln, (406) 861-6562, Cox, Michelle, Service, 59105

Hospital Corridor Apartment, 821 N 24th St, (406) 855-8642, Smelser, Theresa, Real Estate Rental, 59101

Yellowstone Blinds LLC, 1240 Timbers Blvd S, (406) 696-2374, Hanson, John, Service, 59105

Tyners Airbnb,  2632 Broadwater Ave, (406) 839-1001, Tyner, Ivy, Real Estate Rental, 59102

Montana Terrazzo Co, Lockwood Precast, 345 Lomond Ln, (406) 245-4635, Wallette, Crystal A, Retail Sales, 59101

Handi Nickoli LLC, 638 Howard Ave, (406) 208-2542, Bouchard, Nicholas, General Contractors, 59101

Parks Place Str, 2353 Gleneagles Blvd, (406) 390-4976, Parks, Kaycee, Real Estate Rental, 59105

SK Security LLC, 208 N Broadway #348, (913) 732-0633, Kile, Sidney, Service, 59101

Stop N Shop 2, 1219 Main St, (478) 442-2490, Soni, Chirag, Retail Sales, 59105

Simmons LLC,    1212 Central Ave, (406) 894-2211, Simmons, Jaidyn, Service, 59101

Steve Loy And Martha Rowe, 3218 Viola Ln, (406) 647-2317, Loy/Rowe, Steve/Martha,   Real Estate Rental, 59102

Elmo Bentley LLC, 3319 Jack Burke Ln, (406) 652-9208, Durrett, Steve, Real Estate Rental, 59106

Associative Properties LLC, 127 Lewis Ave, (406) 794-4581, Russell, Clark, Real Estate Rental, 59101

Dimension Edge Inc, 43 1/2 Yellowstone Ave, (406) 694-7261, Felt, Robert, Real Estate Rental, 59101

Big Sky Blade’s, 814 Cook Ave, (406) 839-0917, Creitz, Randi, Retail Sales, 59102

Black Mountain Motors LLC, 5229 King Ave W Unit B4, (406) 208-9810, Beeman, Peter, Auto Business, 59106

C&D Customs, 1270 Lockwood Rd, (701) 339-3037, Shaw/Michels, Darin/Corinna, Service, 59101

Kootenai River Rustics LLC, 3039 Ocotillo Rd, (406) 780-0368, Dierman, Darby, General Contractors, 59102

Platinum Style Mobile Detailing & Lot Washing, 215 Broadwater Ave, (406) 598-5998, Smith, Trabias, Service, 59101

Orion Planning Design, 1105 Village Way, (419) 297-1604, Mouch, Allison, Service, Missoula, MT, 59802

Fix Maintenance and Repair, 4190 Blackpool Trl, (406) 633-1811,      Walker, Logan, Service, 59106

Monets Garden LLC, 31 Jubilee St, (406) 413-8827, Bjerken, Monet, Retail Sales, 59105

Anya Anokhina, 1624 Virginia Ln, (406) 530-4495, Anokhina, Anna, Real Estate Rental, 59102

Jacklyn Bushman Short Term Rental, 1032 Miles Ave, (406) 939-3444, Bushman, Jacklyn, Real Estate Rental, 59102

Billings Oak Construction, 8241 Hofferber Rd, (702) 283-1146, Moran, Daniel, General Contractors, Shepherd, MT, 59079

Diamond Blacktop & Dirt, 2808 Roundup Road, (406) 697-9686, Koch/Endy, Dale/Colter, General Contractors, 59105

Baggage Airline Guest Services LLC (Bags), 1901 Terminal Circle, (407) 849-0670, Stacy, Shannon, Service, 59105

Meier Properties, 2510 Terrace Dr, (406) 671-8991, Meier, Kelsey, Real Estate Rental, 59102

Quincy Dwaine Harris, 821 N 27th St Suite C 366, (406) 794-5759, Harris, Quincy, Retail Sales, 59101

Monsterz Plumbing Inc, 31644 147th St, (763) 843-9957, Winskowski, Michael, Plumbing Contractors, Princeton, MN     55371

TI Wellness Co, 3772 Crescent Lake Rd Ste 4, (406) 690-6679, Taylor, Tyrel L, Service, 59101

Nickolas Wangler, 22 Grand Ave, (702) 218-9590, Wangler, Nickolas, Real Estate Rental, 59101

J & R Excavation and Construction LIIP, 295 Clear Creek Road, (406) 998-9033, Ferster, Russel, General Contractors, Roberts, MT, 59070

Adullam House (210 1/2 S 29), 210 1/2 S 29th St, (406) 670-7835, Cottrell (Director), Ken, Service, 59101

Tracy Tracey Designs, 8 Queen Victoria Pl, (406) 998-8408, Tracey, Tracy, Retail Sales, 59105

Teleios Counseling-Jeremy Swaim Biblical Counseling, 3145 Sweet Water Dr, (406) 331-0002, Swaim, Jeremy, Service, 59102

The Bin Store, 1827 Grand Ave, (406) 200-3834, Harris, Megan & Timothy, Retail Sales, 59102

Billings Best Garage Door, 3385 Granger Ave S Apt 23, (406) 331-0002, Swaim, Jeremy, Service, 59102

Lil Legends Youth Soccer Academy, 6603 Cove Creek Dr, (406) 698-9274, French, Jessica, Service, 59106

Rimrock Mall, 300 S 24th St W, (406) 656-3398, Rimrock Mall Realty Holding LLC, Retail Sales, 59102

Lucky Beaver LLC, 2968 Daystar Dr, (406) 927-3225, Walstad/Fischer, Ryate/John, Real Estate Rental, 59102

Neighborhood Gadget Guy LLC, 2009 McKay Ln, (406) 412-5722, Poynter, Mark, Service, 59102

Direct Pallet Racking, 2211 Trade Dr, (469) 269-8159, Serrato, Carlos, Service, Waxahachie, TX , 75167

Tub Tenders LLC, 1230 St John’s Ave, (406) 591-3200, Frank, Ian, Service, 59102

Maid Marisha LLC, 922 Yellowstone River Rd #B6, (406) 503-2254, Matte, Paige, Service, 59105

Soda Station (Main), 669 Main St Suites, (303) 229-3376, Larsen/Barton, Annie/Cassie, Restaurants, 59105

SRS Building Products, 719 Dunham Ave, (406) 481-8585, Ferrell , Kristina, Retail Sales, 59102

S.S. Homes, 820 Arlington Dr, (406) 647-6778, Walker/Scales, Jerry/Michael, Service, 59101

Captain Scurvy’s Black Dragon Pub, 2601 Minnesota Ave, (406) 647-0779, Haak, Ken, Restaurants, 59101

Apricot’s Services, 6734 Skycrest Dr, (406) 861-8325, Ness, Jason, Service, 59106

Studio 520 ½, 520 1/2 Clark Ave, (406) 425-5524, Hofer/Oleary, Linda/Rondald, Real Estate Rental, 59101

Silver Tech Solutions, 2005 Beech St, (406) 608-9812, Gross, Danessa, Service, Huntley, MT, 59037

Cory Sittner, 5338 S Castle Stone Sq, (406) 690-4709, Sittner, Cory, Service, 59106

EFP Construction LLC, 1001 S Main St Ste 600, (515) 779-0909, Perry, Bobby, Service, Kalispell, MT, 59901

Billings Lawn and Home Care, 1714 St John’s Ave, (406) 694-9282, Reed, Tyler, Service, 59102

Azure Bluet Creations , 751 Nottingham Cir Apt 4, (406) 794-2696, Geetz, Bradley, Retail Sales, 59105

Healing Arts Institute, 813 16th St W, (406) 281-8445, Buchanan, Chas, Massage Facility License, 59102

B. Nelson, 640 Lake Elmo Dr, (406) 652-4941, Nelson, William, Real Estate Rental, 59105

Beartooth Digital LLC, 3215 Peregrine Ln, (406) 647-0648, Van Waes, Mark, Service, 59106

Firewater Repair & Estimating, 6903 Backcountry Ave, (406) 579-4301, Davis, Ben, General Contractors, 59106

Gorilla Grip Moving and Hauling, 114 S 38th St, (406) 647-8385, Martinez, Anthony, Service, 59101

Lighthouse Tax and Bookkeeping, 385 Jefferson St, (406) 927-4451, Dibbell, Bruce, Service, 59101

Bluebonnets and Maple, 2901 Beech Ave, (406) 601-0438,  Sharp, Anna, Retail Sales,  59102

Sunny Scoops LLC, 511 Custer Ave, (406) 671-4692, Beeler, Scott,  Restaurants, 59101

Alex Miller, 1313 Grand Ave Unit 9, (406) 672-0834,  Miller, Alex, Service, 59102

Peak to Prairie Properties LLC, 1025 Yellowstone Ave, (319) 939-7487, Bellows, Dylan, Real Estate Rental, 59102

Culver LLC,  2606 E I Rd, (406) 794-5364,  Culver-Godfrey, Caleb,  General Contractors, Ballantine, MT, 59006

Patrice Oloughlin Rental, 722 Parkhill Dr, (406) 861-3534, Oloughlin, Patrice, Real Estate Rental, 59102

JV Construction LLC, 7 Prospect Dr, (406) 861-5823, Velasquez, Junior, General Contractors, 59102

Davison Irrigation and Design, 408 Everett Dr, (307) 202-1714, Davison, Colby, Service, 59102

The Cowboy Cabin, 2955 Rockrim Ln, (719) 588-4408, Matheson, Kate, Real Estate Rental, 59102

Argent Gold & Coins, 1314 24th St W, (406) 371-5500, Washington, Mark, Antique & Second Hand Stores, 59102

Stensby Tree Services, 1808 Wyoming Ave, (406) 860-9443, Stensby, Craig, Service, 59102

Made With Love, 2905 Grelck Ln, (406) 927-3007, Keever, Adrianna, Retail Sales, 59105

Monica’s Air B&B, 435 Kathy Ln, (406) 860-4070, Foss, Monica, Real Estate Rental, 59105

Ditch Kid’s Gallery, 2822 3rd Ave N #208, (406) 591-1859, Bartsch, Emmit Bentley, Retail Sales, 59101

Razor Creek Construction, 1 Razor Creek Rd, (406) 860-2230, Serrano, Will, General Contractors, Roundup, MT, 59072

Concept MMA, LLC, 101 Moore Ln, Martinez, Michael,  Service, 59101

Black Bear Design LLC, 2009 16th St W, (406) 579-2844, Feldner, Adam, Service, 59102

Jennifer Jones Air Bnb, 1921 10th Ave N, (406) 661-5495, Jones, Jennifer, Real Estate Rental, 59101  59105

The Millennium Group of Delaware Inc, 550 N 31st St, (732) 469-2900, Murphy,  Letty, Service, 59101

Mik Brewer, 6036 Mollie Rose Ln, (541) 610-3632, Brewer, Mikiyas, Real Estate Rental, 59101

Paul Tutokey Full Spectrum Psychiatry PLLC, 2048 Overland Ave Ste 203aa, (406) 413-1945, Tutokey, William Paul,          Service, 59102

Shenanigans Youth Theater, 2809 Belvedere Dr, (406) 702-0737, Wissenbach, Carrie, Service, 59102

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Bessent Prediction: “Pro-Growth Win for the American People”

19 May 2025
Press Room
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From Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council

The process for advancing a reconciliation bill continues to chug along, which can’t come soon enough for entrepreneurs and small business owners who urgently need a tax package that makes permanent expiring provisions of the 2017 “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” and restores key measures that encourage investment and growth.

For now, talk of a big tax hike among some Republicans and in isolated corners of the White House has generally subsided. There is no way that a tax hike on entrepreneurs and small businesses would make it to the President’s desk. President Trump is indeed correct in noting that American taxpayers (read: capital) would take flight if taxes were raised. Moreover, a tax hike out of the Trump Administration and Congress would undermine the diligent work of the states that have been cutting taxes to promote business-friendly and taxpayer-friendly climates, and helping Main Street businesses compete more effectively. In mid-April, SBE Council joined our allies in the small business community and signed a letter to Congressional tax writers that opposed tax hikes on so-called high-income earners and “millionaires.”

Penalizing productive economic activity is not good policy, which also means that increasing taxes on carried interest is a bad idea. This bad idea is still percolating. As SBE Council chief economist Ray Keating wrote back in February when the idea surfaced:

“Increasing taxes on investment will negatively impact business startups and growth, and will inflict broad damages on incomes and jobs for workers, on entrepreneurship, on competitiveness, and on economic growth. Putting aside the political rhetoric, that’s the harsh economic reality if taxes are increased on carried interest.”

Consistency and certainty on policy across the board are vital to U.S. economic growth and competitiveness. Reducing, not increasing, government burdens and costs will support efforts to keep the United States the best place in the world to start and grow a business.

Secretary Bessent Very Optimistic. Today, on Day 100 of President Trump’s tenure in office, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is bullish on a tax bill. In a post on X, Secretary Bessent notes that the “Big 6” Hill leaders who are meeting on the tax bill are making great progress. He adds:

“I’m happy to announce that they are in substantial agreement and that this is going to be a very big, pro-growth win for the American people.”

A pro-growth win on taxes and positive progress on the trade/tariff front would certainly help to soothe worries and concerns about a possible recession. Experts are mixed on whether that will happen.

In a preview event on the “global economic outlook” hosted by International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and attended by SBE Council President & CEO Karen Kerrigan, Ms. Georgieva predicted slower growth for sure, but not a recession.