Originally, a state grant meant to help find and recruit more workers drew a tepid response, so the Gianforte administration has decided to convert to grants to assist in automation. But some business owners wonder if the paperwork and process was intentionally too cumbersome.

“It was a clear intention of the legislature for this money to be invested in workers,” Caferro said. “And at every turn, the administration has failed to invest in Montanans with this money, and it seems to me that they refuse to make taxpayers’ money work for taxpayers.”