During his monthly get together on KGVO’s Talk Back Show on Tuesday, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte criticized the new $1.85 trillion infrastructure bill by stating that it will increase inflation for Montanans.

“Economics is pretty simple,” said Governor Gianforte. “If you have a dollar and the government prints another dollar and puts it in circulation, your dollar is now worth 50 cents. That's inflation, and it hurts when people go to the gas pump, go to the grocery store, or try and buy a house. It's all a result of reckless spending in Washington, DC.”

Gianforte acknowledged the need for improved infrastructure, but took the Biden Administration to task over how they are attempting to pay for it.

“Of course, we need roads and bridges that are well repaired, but the spending is out of control,” he said. “The unfortunate thing is what that's doing is it's driving up the cost of living in Montana for groceries and for gas. I saw report last week that if you heat your home with natural gas or heating oil, your bill is going to be about 50 percent higher this winter. That’s 50 percent higher. This is going to make it tougher for hardworking Montanans, and it's all a result of the reckless spending in Washington.”

One caller asked for the governor’s help in dealing with a perceived vaccination mandate that he said was illegal under Montana law in House Bill 702.

“I would have your family member reach out to Victoria here in the governor's office,” he said. “She does all of our casework, and she's been taking a lot of calls from folks. She's happy to provide the documentation. We've been providing legal guidance to individuals that are in this position, and we're tracking employers who are not in compliance with Montana law.”

Governor Gianforte also introduced a new program to honor veterans in a special way.

“Nominations will be open through the end of the year, December 31, and then we'll pick the best of the best,” he said. “I will fly a flag at the State Capitol in their honor, and then personally go and deliver the flag at a ceremony. We typically do them at the American Legion or the VFW halls in the various communities, but I'm excited about continuing to honor veterans, and this Governor's Veteran Commendation Award is one way we can do it. Again, the address is recognize veterans.mt.gov.”

Gianforte appears once a month on KGVO’s Talk Back show to answer questions from listeners.

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