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FOR THE COURIER

STATE NEWS

Montana Regains Second Congressional Seat With 2020 Census

Montana’s Population Grows to 1,085,407

HELENA — Montana will regain its second congressional seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, according to the 2020 Census state population count released today by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The count reveals Montana’s population grew from 989,415 people in 2010 to 1,085,407 people in 2020 – an increase of 95,992 residents over 2010, or nearly 10 percent.

“Thanks to the efforts of Montanans across the state, the 2020 Census shows what we’ve known to be true – Montana is a great place to live, work and raise a family,” Gov. Greg Gianforte said.

 “This is a great day for Montana. With a second congressional seat, Montanans will have another voice in Congress to work on their behalf,” Gov. Gianforte continued. “It’s critical we avoid the traps of partisanship and gerrymandering as our new district lines are drawn. Our new districts should be compact, keep our communities together, and make common sense.”

Montana had two congressional districts until 1993, when reapportionment based on the 1990 population count resulted in Montana losing its second seat.

The U.S. Census Bureau is expected to release sub-state level data later this year. That information will be used by the independent Montana Districting and Apportionment Commission to determine the boundaries for Montana’s two congressional districts and to redraw local legislative districts.

The federal government conducts the constitutionally mandated population count of all residents in the United States every 10 years. States help promote the importance of responding to the count.

“As the lead agency for the state’s census efforts, the Department of Commerce worked with partners across Montana to encourage Montanans to self-respond to the 2020 Census,” said Scott Osterman, director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “The updated state population count is the result of months of all-hands-on-deck statewide work to let Montanans know about the importance of being counted.”

Last year, the U.S. Census Bureau suspended field operations from March to early May in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to forming the basis for congressional, legislative and school districts, census data are used to appropriate federal funding. This appropriation helps fund more than 300 programs for things like highway planning, health care, educational programs, and community infrastructure.

For more information about the 2020 Census, visit the Census and Economic Information Center at the Montana Department of Commerce at CEIC.MT.GOV.

Governor’s Office Issues Montana Water and Supply Drought Outlook Report

42% of state is classified as abnormally dry

HELENA — The Office of the Governor has released the 2021 Montana Water and Supply Drought Outlook Report.

According to data in the report, 42% of the state is classified as abnormally dry, with another 18 percent of the state in severe to extreme drought conditions. May and June are historically the two wettest months of the year in Montana.

“Following an unusually mild winter, the conditions we see for the next eight to ten weeks are going to be critical as we head into growing season in Montana,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I am tasking state agency directors to begin reviewing authorities and options to support our agricultural producers as some battle extreme drought conditions.”

According to the report, persistently dry conditions through the fall and much of the winter have created the deficit, especially at middle and lower elevations. As of April 15, mountain snowpack at high elevations has remained near or slightly below average in most basins, with the exception of southwest Montana, where the Upper Madison, Jefferson, and Ruby rivers are likely to see below-average flows this year. The report projects reservoir storage at state and federal projects to be near average.

If spring precipitation is below average, producers in eastern Montana may face challenges ensuring adequate water supply for livestock throughout the summer.

Amanda Kaster, director of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), added that elevated fire risks are possible if current conditions persist.

“We’re keeping a close watch on fuel conditions throughout the state as we continue our preparations for the 2021 fire season,” Kaster said.

The governor’s office will be monitoring conditions closely in 12 eastern counties – Phillips, Daniels, Sheridan, Valley, Roosevelt, McCone, Wibaux, Prairie, Dawson, Richland, Fallon, and Carter – where drought conditions are most severe.

The Water Supply and Drought Outlook is an annual report compiled by water planning staff at the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

Red Cross responding to more home fires in Montana

Encourages families to sign up for free fire safety education

GREAT FALLS — The American Red Cross is responding to significantly more home fires in Montana this year than last and is encouraging families to sign up for free virtual home fire safety education that could save lives.

The free training, offered over the phone or video call, takes only about 15 minutes and teaches families how to develop a plan for safely escaping their home during a fire, highlights the importance of smoke alarms and covers essential fire prevention tips.

Families, on average, have only two minutes to safely get out of their home during a fire – about the amount of time it takes to brush your teeth -- so having an escape plan that can be practiced with every member of the household is critical.

During the training, participants will speak with a Red Crosser who can help them develop fire safety strategies personalized to their families and home. The education will be done at a date and time convenient for those taking part.

“Just 15 minutes of training could make all the difference during chaos and confusion that comes with a fire,” said Ted Koenig, the regional disaster officer for the Red Cross of Montana and Idaho. “We unfortunately are seeing more homes fires in Montana in 2021 including several lives lost during these fires, and we strongly encourage Montanans to sign up for this free training and to encourage your friends, family and neighbors to do the same.”

Through the first three months of the year, the Red Cross has seen 86 home fires responses in Montana and provided immediate assistance like lodging, food and mental health support to 226 people. That represents about a 25 percent increase in the number of fires Montana Red Cross volunteer teams responded to during the same period in 2020.

It’s a stark reminder that home fires can happen to anyone at any time.

“It’s good to have a plan,” said Paige Plancich, a Helena woman helped by the Red Cross following an apartment fire. “Before I was like, ‘Oh nothing bad will ever happen to me. I’m not that small fraction of people whose house will catch on fire.’”

Sign up for free home fire safety training by visiting SoundTheAlarm.org/Montana or by calling 800-272-6668.

Governor Signs Bill Authorizing Direct Patient Care

Allows patients to bypass insurance, pay doctors directly

HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte has signed a bill expanding access to affordable, high-quality health care.

“We’re committed to making affordable, high-quality health care more accessible to Montanans by increasing choice, eliminating regulations, and promoting competition,” Governor Gianforte said. “This new, commonsense law will help bring down the cost of care while strengthening the patient-doctor relationship.”

Sponsored by Sen. Cary Smith (R-Billings), Senate Bill 101 authorizes direct patient care (DPC) agreements in Montana. DPC allows patients to enter into agreements with doctors and pay them directly for health care services, rather than going through an insurance company.

“Senate Bill 101 provides clarity for Montana’s growing Direct Patient Care industry and enables more providers to open up new clinics. DPC gives Montanans a more affordable option to access quality health care and improves the doctor-patient relationship,” bill sponsor Sen. Smith said. “Increasing health care access and lowering the cost of health care have been top priorities for Republican lawmakers this session. With Governor Gianforte’s signature, we’ve achieved another important reform to improve health care in Big Sky Country.”

The new law codifies an advisory memo issued in 2017 by then-Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, Matt Rosendale. Since then, eight DPC clinics have opened in Montana.

“Authorizing direct patient care was a key part of my success providing more affordable health care options for Montanans as insurance commissioner,” Congressman Rosendale said. “I’m glad to see the governor and legislature make this bill a law to make DPC available to more Montanans.”

Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Troy Downing added, “Senate Bill 101 is common-sense legislation for Montana consumers. Adding this tool to the toolbox will expand choices for Montanans across the state. Thank you to Senator Smith for sponsoring this bipartisan bill, and thank you Governor Gianforte for signing it into law.”