Budget, Harsh Weather On Montana’s Mind

The news in the state right now evolves around the legislature and the weather. In Helena the Governor and the legislature have started sparring over the budget. Spending cuts in Health and Human Services are a sore spot. Funding education is mandated by the Montana Supreme Court and the administration would like to do it with one time money. The session is less than a week old and already the battle lines have been drawn. In weather related news: Avalanches have been a constant in Western Montana and knowing what causes them is important for those who recreate in the back country. Rain and snow along with warming and cooling have created weak layers of snow that must settle before many areas with slopes greater than thirty degrees become safe from potential snow slides.