Officials say Montana budget is in solid shape heading into pandemic

At least for the time being, Montana’s public coffers are well-stocked to weather the coronavirus pandemic, lawmakers and the governor’s budget director said Monday, meaning it’s unlikely that state government will run into an immediate budget crunch as it tries to contain the COVID-19 outbreak and respond to the virus’ economic impact.

That could change, however, if the crisis drags out long enough that response efforts drain emergency funds, or if economic fallout cuts into the state’s collection of income taxes, natural resource taxes, and other revenue sources over the coming months.

By Eric Dietrich