Montana revenue growth slower than expected, sparking campaign debates over how best to budget

A dip in state revenue growth and climbing costs in some programs means state leaders might need to be creative to balance the next budget, especially if they are making campaign promises to fund infrastructure projects, offer public preschool or reduce property tax rates.

Like nearly every state in the country, Montana’s revenue growth slowed compared to previous years, a trend that hit states with natural resource development industries particularly hard, according to an analysis by the National Association of State Budget Officers. Some, like Wyoming and North Dakota, had to call special sessions to make emergency spending cuts.

JAYME FRASER [email protected]

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