#MTGov Daily Rundown: Bullock's Misleading Debate Claims

Claim 1: "The NRA called me courageous and I worked with the legislature to make sure you can protect your home and your property by passing the castle doctrine."

FACT: The NRA endorsed Gianforte.

"Gianforte has been endorsed by the National Rifle Association, the Gun Owners of America and the Montana Shooting Sports Association, which all support maintaining and expanding gun rights." -MTN News 9/13/2016

FACT: The Castle Doctrine Law was implemented in 2009 when Brian Schweitzer was governor.

Claim 2: "We're the most fiscally prudent state in the nation."

FACT: Montana's revenues are declining

At one time officials predicted that the state would have $314 million in ending fund balance as of June 2017, but lower revenue projections for 2017, such as a 34 percent dip in oil and natural gas taxes, a 37 percent drop in the metal mines tax and an 80 percent decrease in Treasury Cash Account interest earnings all contributed to the shortfall, LFD officials said.” -Great Falls Tribune, 9/7/2016

“The LFD staff, which reports to the Legislature whereas the governor relies on his state budget director, noted the lower revenue trends were expected to continue into 2017 and the new ending general fund balance for FY 2017 is projected to be $109 million, officials said.” -Great Falls Tribune, 9/7/2016

FACT: Under Governor Bullock, state general fund spending during the 2011-2013 biennium (before Bullock took office) was $3.238 billion (HB2, 2011) For the 2015-2017 biennium, state general fund spending is $4.051 billion (HB2, 2015), an increase of more than $800 million, or more than 20 percent.

Claim 3: "We've seen record investments in education, but we've also seen record results"

FACT: Fewer than half of Montana students are testing proficient in Math and English.

"About 41 percent of students tested proficient in math, up three points from 2014-15. About half of students tested proficient in English/language arts, up from 45 percent in 2014-2015."  -Billings Gazettte, 8/17/2016

Claim 4: "More coal was mined in the first 3 years of my administration on average than for the last 30 years.

FACT: Montana coal production is down ONE-THIRD this year under Bullock.

"Montana coal production through spring is down a third, a trend that doesn’t seem to be letting up." Billings Gazette, 6/9/2016

Claim 5: "We ought to sue [on the Clean Power Plan]"

FACT: Last year, Bullock refused to support Attorney General Tim Fox’s lawsuit against the Obama/EPA Clean Power Plan which threatens thousands of Montana jobs.

“A statement issued by Governor Steve Bullock didn’t say whether he thinks the lawsuit is a good idea.” -Montana Public Radio, 10/23/2015

Claim 6: (Asked about DPHHS) "I'll always work to find efficiencies and create better opportunities"

FACT: Former DPHHS auditors claim they were fired for pointing out problems.

"Former Montana auditors have accused state officials of discouraging Department of Health and Human Services staffers from investigating a variety of questioned payments dating back to 2005." -Helena IR, 9/11/2016