#MTGov Daily Rundown: While Montanans Face Major Premium Increases, Bullock Goes Along with Obamacare

On Friday, Montanans were hit with more bad news on the Obamacare front, as the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance announced major premium hikes for Montanans who purchase healthcare on the individual insurance exchange. Despite promises from President Obama (fully supported by Montana Governor Steve Bullock) that the law would cut premium prices by 25%, 6 years later Montanans continue to face double digit percentage increases on their health premiums year after year.

"Health insurers selling individual and small-group policies on Montana’s Internet “marketplace” are seeking 2017 rate increases averaging up to 62 percent, citing big losses on previous policies." -MTN News, 7/8/2016

Taking the biggest hit will be customers of Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) whose premiums will increase by an average of 62 percent. BCBSMT reported losing $45 million on Montana's Obamacare insurance exchange last year. Montana Health Co-op and PacificSource are also announcing large hikes.

"Blue Cross, which covers about 45,000 people through policies sold on the marketplace, is asking for increases averaging 62 percent. The Montana Health Co-op filed for increases averaging 22 percent, while PacificSource is asking an average 20 percent increase. The co-op insures about 16,000 people in Montana and PacificSource about 8,000. "-MTN News, 7/8/2016


These hikes come on the heels of large premium increases that were announced last year, as well.

"The price of individual health-insurance policies sold on Montana’s online “marketplace” is going up anywhere from 20 percent to 45 percent next year." -MTN News, 9/23/2015


Back in 2010, as Attorney General, Bullock had a chance to stand up for Montana health insurance customers by joining several other states in a lawsuit to oppose the law. As is so common with Bullock, he refused to join the effort to stand up to federal overreach.

"Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock said Thursday he won’t be joining a dozen other attorneys general suing to challenge the new federal health-reform bill as unconstitutional." -Helena IR, 3/26/2016


Bullock's Administration has struggled to manage state healthcare resources in an efficient manner. A recent audit found that Montana was spending 76% more than projected on state health clinics.

"The state of Montana is spending almost double what it expected to on its health centers for employees because more employees are using the centers.

In its third year of operation, the state spent $2.23 million on its clinic in Helena — which was 76 percent more than what it estimated it would cost, $1.26 million." -Billings Gazette, 6/10/2016


Bullock has also failed to take into account the longterm costs of the governor's Medicaid expansion, and that program was overbudget from day 1.

"Montana opened enrollment to able-bodied adults for its new ObamaCare program last fall, with coverage set to begin January 1, 2016. The state’s administrator for the expansion projected just 18,600 Montanans would enroll in the first six months, with enrollment growing only modestly thereafter.


However, by December 2015, more than 20,000 able-bodied adults had already enrolled, putting Montana’s ObamaCare expansion over-budget on Day 1." -Townhall.com, 1/20/2016

#MTGOV DAILY RUNDOWN: A Ticket to Ride? Nope, Governor Bullock Would Rather Fly on the Taxpayer Dime

Governor Bullock has been caught abusing his state plane privileges again, as it emerged over the weekend that he flew in the state plane to Missoula for a Paul McCartney concert.

“After a row over inappropriate uses of the state airplane, Montana Governor Steve Bullock is now being asked if that plane was used for personal enjoyment.

Flight logs indicate that the state plane landed at Missoula International Airport at 4:03 P.M., just about an hour before the doors were open to the public at the Paul McCartney concert on August 5, 2014. The concert was possibly the highest profile music event in Montana’s history and many high-profile attendees were in the crowd, including Montana Governor Steve Bullock.”  -KGVO, 7/8/2016

KGVO notes that it is highly unlikely any state business could have been conducted on the trip.

“It is possible that there was official state business during this trip, but that also seems unlikely as the same plane was back in Helena before 7:23 A.M. the next morning, leaving little time for state functions. Additionally, several pictures were posted to social media showing the Governor at the concert, such as the one below.” -KGVO, 7/8/2016

Picture of Bullock at concert: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204600835927864&set=p.10204600835927864&type=3&theater

Earlier this year, Bullock was caught using the plane for campaign activities. He has also been criticized for using the plane for short trips from Helena to Butte or Great Falls where flying does not save much time, but still costs taxpayers more money. Maybe the governor gets carsick…

“Criticism of the flights surfaced on social media after it was mentioned in a Feb. 10 Associated Press report that Bullock, a Democrat, was unavailable for comment because he was in Billings making peanut butter sandwiches for the homeless and attending a campaign fundraiser. Bullock had flown to Billings for those events, plus a TV interview and a meeting with a union official. Similar business trips capped by campaign fundraisers also took place in Bozeman and Missoula.” -Billings Gazette, 3/11/2016

“Rep. Ryan Osmundson, chairman of the subcommittee, said his interest was piqued by Bullock’s use of the plane to fly from Helena to Butte. The two communities are 67 miles apart by car. The governor’s plane costs about $1,650 an hour to operate, Osmundson said.” Billings Gazette, 3/11/2016

The Billings Gazette took the governor to task for his abuse of a taxpayer resource.

‘It seems to us Bullock's trips across the state that seem to magically coincide with fund-raising events aren't just accidental. And, it makes sense from a time and resource perspective to pair those events. However, it raises the question: Should the taxpayers of Montana be on the hook to foot Bullock's expense as he tries to raise more money? Why should he get a free ride when his opponents don't get the same opportunity? And, just saying that Bullock is doing what others before him have done is a lousy excuse that we shouldn't tolerate. Because someone else did the wrong thing shouldn't excuse it forever into the future.” -Billings Gazette, 3/15/2016



In an admission of guilt, Bullock would repay the state a paltry $2,671.84 for use of the state plan for campaign related activities. This is a highly questionable number given Bullock’s multiple campaign events and the $1,650 an hour it takes to operate the state plane.


“HELENA – Gov. Steve Bullock will reimburse the state for travel using the state-owned plane that coincided with campaign events, going back to the start of his term.

Bullock will pay $2,671.84, according to a news release sent Friday afternoon.” -Missoulian, 7/19/2016

#MTGOV DAILY RUNDOWN: Montana has some of the cleanest air in the country, why the War on Coal?

A new study out has found that Montana has some of the best air quality in the country. With the largest coal reserves of any state, several mines, and one of the largest coal power plants west of the Mississippi (in Colstrip), it is clear that those in Montana’s coal industry are being responsible stewards. Yet, the Obama Administration and the party of Governor Steve Bullock continue to wage a War on Coal that threatens thousands of Montana livelihoods in the name of “clean air.”

A recent survey of EPA data shows that coal rich Montana is in the top 4 states when it comes to air quality. The top state for air quality is Wyoming, which is also coal rich.

“The four states with the best air quality in the country, Wyoming, North Dakota, Montana and Alaska, are all red states. Only one of the five states with the worst air quality in the country is a red state. The worst air quality in the country is found in Illinois, Pennsylvania and California, which have all consistently voted for Democrats.” -Daily Caller, 7/3/2016

However, as the liberal leaning Brookings Institution notes, Montana faces one of the most stringent carbon reduction requirements of any state. The new requirements could lead to the closing of the Colstrip Power Plant and the loss of 7100 jobs, $500 million in payroll, and $1.5 billion in economic activity for the state.

Yet, Governor Bullock won’t stand up for Montana’s interests.

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


Early in the year, after the U.S. Supreme Court put a stay on the Obama/EPA Clean Power Plan, Bullock simply suspended his Clean Power Plan Advisory Council.

“Montana Gov. Steve Bullock on Tuesday suspended the work of a panel appointed to address new federal carbon dioxide emissions rules after the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocked the key component of President Barack Obama’s climate change plan.” -Associated Press 2/9/2016

Meanwhile, Greg Gianforte called for the council to be repurposed in order to fight the plan’s implementation.

“Instead of putting their work on hold, Gianforte is encouraging the governor to repurpose the efforts of his Clean Power Plan Council. Rather than focusing on implementing Obama’s power plan, Gianforte says the governor’s committee should now focus on building a case against the plan, and assist Attorney General Tim Fox in his efforts.” -Greg for Montana, 2/9/2016

The governor has tried to claim that he is pro-Montana coal, yet he voted against the Otter Creek Coal Mine as Attorney General, a project that would have created 4400 Montana jobs.

“Attorney General Steve Bullock and state Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau voted against the lease.” -Billings Gazette, 3/18/2010

Governor Bullock has also endorsed Hillary Clinton for President, who promises a radical anti-coal, anti-gun agenda for Montana and the nation.

“…we’re gonna put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business”-Hillary Clinton, on CNN, 3/13/2016

#MTGOV Daily Rundown: Governor Bullock’s Failed Leadership Hurts Boulder

BOTTOM LINE: Bullock shut down a major job provider in Boulder with no backup plan. Are Bullock political appointees profiting?

The Montana Developmental Center in Boulder (which provides a home for about 50 developmentally disabled adults) has had some tough times, with widespread allegations of client abuse. These issues have only worsened under the Bullock Administration. The issues were so serious that the governor and legislature are simply closing the facility.

“Montana Department of Justice findings released this month detail widespread client abuse at the Montana Developmental Center, a state facility in Boulder charged with caring for cognitively impaired adults. The latest findings have disability rights advocates and state legislators considering more drastic changes at a center mired in scandal in recent years.

“If we have that level of abuse going on in a facility, there’s a problem,” says Bernadette Franks-Ongoy, executive director of Disability Rights Montana, which is empowered by law to investigate and remedy instances of abuse and neglect of developmentally disabled people. “There’s a very, very serious problem that residents in that facility are not safe.” -Missoula Independent, 9/18/2016

Bullock’s decision to close the facility will mean the loss of a major employer for Boulder and Jefferson County. The MDC employs 250 people. While few dispute that there are real issues at the center, Bullock has moved ahead towards closure with no plan to repurpose the facility or protect existing jobs.

“’A task force, yet to be appointed, will work on placing residents and repurpose the facility. But to some, it's already too late.

[Boulder resident] Cory Kirsch said, "We should have planned before we close it, and not close it then try to figure out a plan.’" -MTN News, 7/2/2015

Within Boulder and Jefferson County, there is a large amount of frustration with Governor Bullock.
“Anybody who in Jefferson County that votes for Steve Bullock ought to be throwed out of the county.” -Jefferson County Commissioner Leonard Wortman in the Boulder Monitor, 2/23/2016


Then, earlier this year, news broke that a Bullock Administration official had direct ties to a Butte based non-profit from which the state leased a facility in Galen to house some of the Boulder patients.

“There was no competitive bidding process to award the Galen lease. In fact, officials said Wednesday they didn’t even look at potential alternatives to the $1.2 million annual agreement.

That's how the state’s newest landlord became Community Counseling and Correctional Services -- a Butte-based nonprofit that employs Brandie Villa, a top company accountant and the wife of Governor’s Office Budget Director Dan Villa.

The move has left some wondering how a building owned by Brandie Villa’s bosses -- one that might have sat vacant and heavy on CCCS’ books, in the absence of a state-backed lease -- suddenly became Montana’s first and only choice to house a mental health facility.” -Helena Independent Record, 4/8/2016

#MTGOV DAILY RUNDOWN: Where does the buck stop?

As the state’s chief executive, Steve Bullock is ultimately the one responsible for ensuring that state functions operate well. However, during the governor’s term, there have been several shocking lapses by state officials as well as chronic issues with state agencies that have only worsened under Bullock. One must ask: Where does the buck stop?

Last year, a state audit found 125 accounting errors and a $1 billion overstatement of accumulated depreciation that occurred on Bullock’s watch. It was a “billion dollar mistake.”

“This wasn't just a single accidental oversight. Instead, the problems are deep -- 125 errors and lack of internal controls. Sadly, those controls, had they been in place, according to the audit division, could have caught these problems earlier. In other words, there weren't even controls in place to catch problems.” -Billings Gazette, 7/3/2015

In 2014, a massive data breach occurred when a Department of Public Health and Human Services computer was hacked. The personal records of 1.3 million people were compromised.

“State officials Tuesday said they’re notifying 1.3 million people whose personal data were in a state Department of Public Health and Human Service computer hacked by unknown assailants a year ago.” -Montana Standard, 4/24/2014

“The computer holds information on people using public programs that serve thousands of Montanans, including Food Stamps, welfare payments, Medicaid, home heating aid and child-care assistance, as well as birth and death records and some state employee records."

The records may include names, addresses, birth dates, Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, health diagnoses and drug prescriptions.” -Montana Standard 4/24/2014


Arguably one of the state’s most vital functions is Child Protective Services. However, Montana CPS continues to struggle performing its basic functions as kids fall through the cracks. This issue only appears to be worsening under Bullock.

“The audit report found extensive weakness in Montana Child Protective Service’s documentation, with many intake reports incomplete, and investigations taking much longer than the law allows” -Montana Public Radio, 1/12/2016

“The audit report found more problems with how the cases were handled rather than the number of cases swamping workers. The audit said, as a result of poor documentation, the department is frequently unable to justify the decision it makes when assessing investigation reports of child abuse or neglect.” -Montana Public Radio, 1/12/2016

Coming up tomorrow: Governor Bullock’s failed leadership harms the people of Boulder…

#MTGOV DAILY RUNDOWN: Governor Vetoes, Montana Suffers

ICYMI-Bullock’s choice for President, Hillary Clinton was called “extremely careless” by FBI Director James Comey for using a personal email server to do government business. As Secretary of State, Clinton used a private email server “almost exclusively” for government business. Overall, 110 personal emails were found to have contained classified information, while 8 contained “Top Secret” information.

Like his favored candidate for President, Governor Bullock has also faced questions about his use of personal email accounts to conduct state business.

During his time as governor, Steve Bullock has vetoed more bills than any governor in the state’s history. All told legislators have done the work to get 129 bills through both houses of the legislature that have then been vetoed by the governor. The bills vetoed include tax relief and simplification bills, much needed infrastructure spending, educational savings accounts for special needs students, measures to make health insurance cheaper and more accessible, as well as multiple gun rights bills.

While Bullock claims to be “working with the legislature” in a “bipartisan manner,” he continues to use his veto power on almost exclusively Republican bills. Out of the 56 bill vetoed last session, more than 50 were sponsored by Republicans.

“You can’t write an article big enough. That man seriously is such a detriment to the people of Montana and most of that stuff is common sense stuff. Man, this thing’s been looked at by 150 people. What gives one guy the right to say it’s not a good bill when 150 people said it was?” -Sen. Roger Webb, Missoulian, 7/2/2016

Legislators have noted that Bullock’s use of the veto pen has had a “chilling effect” on the legislature’s willingness to propose new legislation.

“Rep. Keith Regier, R-Kalispell, said that if Gianforte is elected other proposals might surface that legislators have not brought forward with a Democrat in the governor’s office.

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“’I’ve heard from other people, ‘Why go through all the trouble of getting it through both chambers to put it on his desk if he’s just going to veto it?’” Missoulian, 7/2/2016,

Bullock has vetoed multiple infrastructure bills while the state has languished for 6 years without major infrastructure legislation.

“For six years, the Legislature has failed to approve a major infrastructure funding bill, or Bullock has vetoed the measures to balance the state budget.” -Billings Gazette, 7/5/2016

In 2013, Bullock surprisingly vetoed a $35 million infrastructure bill (with a $300 million surplus) for cash strapped Eastern Montana counties affected by the oil and gas boom.  It passed with large bipartisan majorities.

“’That was a bad one,’ [State Sen. Duane] Ankney said. ‘Because all indications were he was signing that bill, so I was really surprised.’” -Missoulian 7/2/2016

Governor Steve Bullock also vetoed three tax relief bills in 2015 alone

“The state House and Senate GOP caucuses touted tax cuts as a high priority for the 2015 session, but every major tax initiative that was passed out of the Republican-controlled Legislature has been vetoed by Gov. Steve Bullock. Bullock shot down the last of three principal tax proposals from Republicans on Monday. The other two vetoes came earlier this year on proposals to cut income taxes by 0.1 percent to 0.2 percent for every bracket.”- Missoulian, 5/7/15)


Greg Gianforte has stated that his “veto philosophy” is very simple.

“’At a simplistic level, I’m going to sign the good bills and veto the bad bills,’ Gianforte said, saying he would have supported tax reductions, infrastructure funding, regulation tweaks to strengthen natural resource development and bills to expand gun rights.” -Missoulian 7/2/2016

#MTGOV DAILY RUNDOWN: Bullock Refuses to Use Tools Available to Help Timber Industry

Bullock has tools available to help our timber industry in their time of need but he has failed to take action: (1) Bullock will NOT release money from the Hazardous Fuel Reduction Fund to better manage our forests and get timber to our mills; and (2) Bullock will NOT use his authority under the Good Neighbor Authority to negotiate with the Forests Service to greenlight critical timber job projects.

·         Greg Gianforte: "Unfortunately, we have a state administration today that hasn't been using the tools available to help.”–NBC Montana, 06/30/2016

·         Hazardous Fuel Reduction Fund. “I think there is more we can do to help the timber industry,” Gianforte said. “In particular, our legislature took the effort of creating a Hazardous Fuel Reduction Fund, it’s five million dollars over each biennium. I called last year for the Governor to release that money so we can start managing our forests and getting some timber coming into our mills, he has not released the full amount, I think we need to do this.” –KGVO, 06/29/2016

·         Good Neighbor Authority. “Montana should be taking the lead in efforts to provide healthier forests and more timber for our mills. Instead, a lack of leadership in Helena has led to the lack of a Good Neighbor Agreement with the US Forest Service. The governor had tools in his tool box to help with timber jobs, and he’s failed to use them.” –KMMS, 06/28/2016

·         Good Neighbor Authority. The Good Neighbor Authority gives the ability for the Governor to negotiate with the Forest Service to do timber projects for health and safety,” Gianforte said. “The state of Wisconsin has enacted this Good Neighbor Authority and they’ve increased production on one forest by twenty five percent. 18 states have used this tool, the Good Neighbor Authority in the Farm Bill, but Montana isn’t one of them.” –KGVO, 06/29/2016

Under Governor Bullock, Montana has lost 600 jobs in the timber industry in the last year alone– leaving the industry reeling.

·         The June 22 announcement that timber giant Weyerhaeuser Company was closing two mills in Columbia Falls and eliminating 100 positions is a gruesome testament to the flagging timber industry’s struggle to regain footing in the market after decades of decline. –Flathead Beacon, 06/28/2016

·         Approximately 500 jobs supported by Montana’s wood products industry have dried up this year alone –Missoulian, 10/13/2015

·         Altogether, Altemus said timber mills employ approximately 7,000 people in Montana, and 235 mill workers have been laid off this year. Another 280 jobs that were indirectly supported by the timber industry have also been lost. –Missoulian, 10/13/2015

·         In September, Tricon Timber in St. Regis – which had been Mineral County’s largest employer – cut an entire shift and laid off 90 workers as a direct result of the impending expiration of the agreement. –Missoulian, 10/13/2015

·         There are currently no mills in the state running two full shifts, something that was unthinkable two decades ago. –Missoulian, 10/13/2015

Greg Gianforte is calling for better forest management to strengthen the health of our forests and revitalize Montana’s timber industry. Gianforte continues to press Governor Bullock for failing to work on comprehensive forest management bills supported by Senator Daines and Congressman Zinke.

·         Over 600 timber jobs have now been lost under Bullock’s recent watch. Instead of simply blaming the Obama Administration, Gianforte continues to ask why the governor has failed to utilize existing authority or support land management reforms supported by Congressman Ryan Zinke and Senator Steve Daines. –KMMS, 06/28/2016