Grappling with rural ‘brain drain,’ Montana leaders mull incentives to lure in college grads

A state program that would have offered professional workers grants and tax breaks to settle in rural Montana didn’t pass muster at the state Legislature this year.

However, the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Joel Krautter, says he’ll take another run at the idea — dubbed the “Catch and Keep Act” — in 2021. And, as Montana leaders and lawmakers look at ways to help rural communities draw in skilled workers, it isn’t the only incentive program in play.

By Eric Dietrich