|
ypradio.org > YPR
News Desk
YPR News Desk
Jackie Yamanaka, News Director
E-mail Jackie Yamanaka
to submit a Press Release or otherwise contact the YPR News Department
YPR is part of a multi-station public radio reporting project looking
at the issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
YPR News Audio Archive
YPR maintains an archive of News Director Jackie Yamanaka's recent stories.
They are available for on-demand streaming using the Windows
Media format.
 Highway Bill Conference Opens
aired May 9, 2012
The Conference Committee charged with finding a federal transportation bill compromise between the Senate and the House versions hld its first official meeting yesterday. Senator Max Baucus is one of the 47 members of the bipartisan panel. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Mail Ballots & Security
aired May 8, 2012
Some election administrators say mail elections provide a convenient and secure way for Montanans to cast their ballots. For example, registered voters in Yellowstone County received their ballots for the school election only in the mail. Once marked, voters could either mail it back or deliver it in person to the election office or one of the designated drop sites. Jackie Yamanaka checked in on how elections officials handle those ballots and filed this report.
 |
| Yellowstone County Election Administrator Bret Rutherford verifying a mail ballot with Montana Vote. |
 |
| Sequestered election officials removing ballots from the secrecy envelope and readying ballots for the vote counting machine. |
Carter County Schools Energy Conservation
aired May 3, 2012
Students from five schools in Carter County are the winners of a national student competition designed to encourage families to conserve energy. U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu made the announcement during a telephone conference call with reporters. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
 |
| (L-R) Teacher Susan Tooke, 6th Gr; Student Kennedy Tooke; 4th Gr Student Hannah LaBree and Southeast Electric Cooperative Member Services Rep. Marlene Waterland celebrating winning a portion of the $15,000 prize for helping win the US DOE Energy Challenge. Photo courtesy of Valerie O'Connell. |
 |
| Alzeda students learning a lesson about the different kinds of light bulbs available. Photo courtesy of Lynn Williams |
Vehicle Insurance Verification
aired May 2, 2012
Montana Highway Patrol troopers soon will be able to verify immediately whether a motorist has liability insurance coverage, as required by law. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, troopers in the patrol’s southwestern district will be the first to use the verification system.
LINK: MT Department of Justice
Primary Ballots
aired May 1, 2012
Montana counties will begin mailing out the first round of absentee ballots Monday. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, one election official says that could cause confusion for some voters because it’s also the day ballots are due back to the courthouses for the school elections.
LINKS: Yellowstone County Election Office, Montana Secretary of State
Billings SD2
aired April 18, 2012
Billings voters will receive ballots in the mail this week for the school election. There are numerous issues, including: five mill levies, two bond issues, and school board choices. One is a technology levy for the elementary district. Jackie Yamanaka visited a couple of schools to see how teachers are using technology in their classrooms.
DOCUMENTS (in .pdf format): SD2 Bonds and Levies (source: Billings SD2), information from Support Your Schools
 |
| A middle school student using a MimioVote to answer questions about maps on a unit on Africa |
 |
| Lewis and Clark Teacher Jamie Jarvis demonstrating how to use the QR reader on the iPad for his 7th grade geography class |
 |
| Boulder Elementary teacher Kerra Olson explains a reading "scavenger hunt" project for first graders |
 |
| Boulder Elementary teacher Kevin Cicero checks a first grade student's work on an lesson on counting money |
Central Asia Institute's Future
aired April 16, 2012
Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock says his agency’s investigation of a Bozeman-based charity and it’s co-founder shows what can go wrong when the “officers and directors of an organization fail to abide by fundamental principals of management and oversight.” Steve Bullock says despite the severity of the errors by Greg Mortenson and the Central Asia Institute, the organization is worth saving. Jackie Yamanaka has more on the future of the charity.
LINKS: The MT Attorney General's Investigation (.pdf), Central Asia Institute, Charity Watch
Sen. Baucus Culbertson / Sidney Visit
aired April 5, 2012
Some eastern Montana residents told federal officials they are being overwhelmed by the Bakken oil boom. They say there are many impacts, including a shortage of affordable housing, crumbling water and sewer systems, and heavy traffic on area roads. Senator Max Baucus brought other federal officials to public meetings in Culbertson and Sidney yesterday. Jackie Yamanaka traveled with Baucus and his staff to the public meetings and filed this report.
 |
| Senator Max Baucus with USDA Rural Development Deputy Undersecretary Cheryl Cook to present a $1 million grant to the City of Culbertson for a wastewater system upgrade. |
 |
| Sidney Mayor Bret Smelser outlining the challenges the community faces from the Bakken oil boom. |
Oil & Gas Development: Salazar
aired April 3, 2012
U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar says federal and tribal lands are integral to what's quickly becoming the largest oil play in the U.S.: the Bakken. During a conference call today with reports, Salazar talked about his visit and unveiled new initiatives to expedite oil and gas development in Montana, North Dakota, and elsewhere. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Credit
Card Security
aired March 21, 2012
Business owners, consumers, and law enforcement officials learned about
ways they can protect their credit cards and transactions from fraud.
Mastercard officials held a free seminar in Billings, the only one in
the state, on ways to deter criminals from preying on small businesses.
Jackie Yamanaka has more.
Graduation
Matters
aired March 20, 2012
State School Superintendent Denise Juneau awarded 21 grants to nearly
two-dozen Montana schools to support community efforts to increase the
number of high school graduates.The grant money comes from the Phyllis
and Dennis Washington Foundation. Juneau is visiting four schools this
week to hand out the grants. Jackie Yamanaka has more on the stop in Billings.
|
State School Superintendent Denise Juneau awarding
Billings School District #2 a $10,000 grant from the Phyllis and
Dennis Washington Foundation for its Graduation Matters Billings
initiative. |
More
CDL Examiners
aired March 19, 2012
In response to demand for workers with a Commercial Driver's License,
the state of Montana has increased the number of examiners in its Motor
Vehicle Division. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, these state employees were
struggling to keep up with the demand, driven by the oil boom in the Bakken.
YPR is part of a multi-station public radio reporting project looking
at the issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Increased
Train Traffic
aired March 12, 2012
The potential for increased coal train traffic prompted a two-day conference
in Billings on mitigating the impacts. Those include: traffic congestion,
delayed public safety agency response, and public health concerns. As
Jackie Yamanaka reports, this issue has been discussed in Billings for
decades, but some citizens worry rail traffic will get worse if Montana
and Wyoming increase coal exports to Asia.
WTI
Winter Conditions
aired March 9, 2012
For many drivers, when they see a snowy or wet road they anticipate slippery
conditions. There are devices available that can measure the amount of
friction on pavement. A Bozeman-based transportation research center recently
tested those devices. Jackie Yamanaka joined the scientists at their test
facility in Lewistown and filed this report. YPR is part of a multi-station
public radio reporting project looking at the issue of transportation.
Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
LINK: http://www.transcendlab.org/
 |
| Set up for a test at WTI's Transcend
outdoor research facility near the Lewistown, MT airport. |
 |
| WTI researchers using their snowmaking
equipment |
FireSafe
MT Conference
aired March 6, 2012
Three conferences are scheduled around the state to help Montanans prepare
their homes and property from the threat of wildfires. The first FireSafe
Montana conference is Saturday in Columbus. As Jackie Yamanaka reports,
the organizers want to give homeowners several tools so they can take
action before a wildfire starts burning toward their homes.
LINK: http://www.firesafemt.org/
DOCUMENTS (in .pdf format): FireSafe
MT Press Release, Columbus
Conference Agenda
Help
for Hungry Children
aired February 21, 2012
Montana is the latest state to partner with a national organization that's
working to end childhood hunger. Officials launched "Montana No Kid
Hungry" today in Helena. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
DUI
- Telephonic Search Warrants
aired February 16, 2012
Law enforcement officials say they are getting blood alcohol evidence
from repeat DUI offenders who refuse to submit to a breath test. The 2011
Montana Legislature passed a bill that allows an officer to ask a judge
for a telephonic search warrant if certain conditions are met. Governor
Brian Schweitzer signed Senate Bill 42 into law. Jackie Yamanaka recently
joined a Billings Police Officer during his shift on a Friday night to
see how the new law is working. YPR is part of a multi-station public
radio reporting project looking at the issue of transportation. Funding
for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
|
Billings Police Officer Brandon Ihde conducting
a field sobriety test on a woman suspected of DUI. Last December,
Ihde was among several Billings-area law enforcement officials who
were given Awards of Merit for DUI enforcement. It was the second
year in a row Ihde received the award. |
|
| Ihde at the DUI Center talking to District Judge Mary Jane Knisely
seeking a telephonic search warrant to draw blood from a suspected
DUI driver. |
Children's
Justice Center
aired February 13, 2012
State Attorney General Steve Bullock today kicked off a collaborative
effort to better protect children who are the victims of crime. He adds
the Children's Justice Center will help local communities prosecute child
predators. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
China
& MT Coal
aired February 13, 2012
Governor Brian Schweitzer says during his recent trip to China he discussed
the possibility of exporting Montana coal. He says, however, there are
no immediate plans to begin shipping coal to China. As Jackie Yamanaka
reports, the problem lies with a bottleneck on the West Coast ports. YPR
is part of a multi-station public radio reporting project looking at the
issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
GOP
Gubernatorial Debate
aired February 10, 2012
The seven candidates seeking the Republican gubernatorial nomination agreed
natural resource development is key to getting Montana on the move. They
faced off at a two-hour debate last night at Montana State University
Billings. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, while there was general agreement
on issues, some sparks flew when they were given the opportunity to ask
each other a question.
Pipeline
Safety & Review
aired February 8, 2012
A federal pipeline official says he expects a report will be completed
in a month on the corrective action ExxonMobil had to take following last
summer’s oil spill into the Yellowstone River. The update was given
today at a meeting of the Montana Oil Pipeline Safety Review Council.
Jackie Yamanaka has more from Helena.
Billings
Cell Phone Ordinance
aired February 7, 2012
The city of Billings is serious about enforcing its ordinance banning
people from texting or using a hand-held cell phone while driving. Last
week, officers issued nearly two-dozen traffic citations near Rimrock
Mall for violations of the cell phone ordinance. As Jackie Yamanaka reports,
officers were specifically looking for violators. YPR is part of a
multi-station public radio reporting project looking at the issue of transportation.
Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
GOP
Governor Forum
aired February 6, 2012
Seven of the Republican candidates for Montana's Governor will face off
at a candidate event in Billings on Thursday night. The event is sponsored
by the Yellowstone Young Republicans. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the
group hopes to reach out to young voters in the contest for this open
seat.
BBER
/ Energy Boom
aired January 31, 2012
The entire state is benefitting from the current energy boom. Speakers
at the annual Economic Outlook Seminar say the added jobs, tax revenue
and indirect benefits extend beyond rural Eastern Montana. They presented
their findings to an overflow crowd in Billings today. Jackie Yamanaka
reports.
Web link: University
of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research
Sword's
Park Decication II
aired January 17, 2012
The wind chill temperature made it feel like it was in the low teen’s
this afternoon, but just over 30 people bundled up for the dedication
of the second phase of a new bike and pedestrian trail in Billings. Jackie
Yamanaka reports. YPR is part of a multi-station public radio reporting
project looking at the issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
 |
| the dedication ceremony |
 |
| the trail sign |
MSUB
Shuttle Begins
January 12, 2012
For the first time, students at Montana State University-Billings can
take a free shuttle to go back and forth between the four-year campus
and the two-year College of Technology. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the
Jacket Shuttle took its first load of students yesterday. The launch coincided
with the start of the Spring semester. YPR is part of a multi-station
public radio reporting project looking at the issue of transportation.
Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
|
Students unloading from the Jacket Shuttle at
the 4-year MSUB campus in front of the Student Union Building (pictures
by Jackie Yamanaka) |
|
The 18-passenger bus that's transporting students
between the 4-year and 2-year campuses. The bus was purchased used
from Billings MET Transit. |
Walk
& Bike at Highland School
aired January 11, 2012
Beginning this morning, the students at Highland Elementary School in
Billings will have an added incentive to walk or bike to school…
and the more times they do, they will earn small rewards to recognize
the effort. Highland is the first school in the to have what’s known
as Boltage. Jackie Yamanaka has more on the launch of this incentive program
that encourages kids to walk or bike to school.
|
Boltage tag on a student backpack |
|
Zap Machine at Highland School |
Bench
Connector Opens
aired December 22, 2011
Relief is coming for a major traffic bottleneck on Montana’s busiest
highway. That highway is Main Street through the Heights in Billings.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports, traffic bottlenecks around the fairgrounds
and MetraPark, but now there’s an alternate route that officials
say will relieve a lot of that traffic congestion. YPR is part of
a multi-station public radio reporting project looking at the issue of
transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
 |
| The new bridge over Alkali Creek that
connects Bench Boulevard to Airport Road and 6th Ave. North. |
 |
| Ribbon cutting opening the new bridge.
Yellowstone County Commissioner John Ostlund (cowboy hat); (left in
sunglasses) MDT Billings District Administrator Stefan Streeter; (right
in brown jacket) Yellowstone County Commissioner Jim Reno; (far right
in black jacket) Yellowstone County Commissioner Bill Kennedy. |
Yellowstone
County DUI Task Force
aired December 15, 2011
The Yellowstone County DUI Task Force held its annual Angel Tree Ceremony
today at the county courthouse. No angels were placed on the tree this
year as no bystanders were killed by a drug or alcohol-impaired driver
in 2011. Instead, task force members placed a star on the tree as a symbol
of hope in the continuing fight against drug or alcohol-impaired drivers.
YPR is part of a multi-station public radio reporting project looking
at the issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
 |
| Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Michael
Haynes vehicle after it was struck by a drunk driver on US Highway
93 in March 2009. |
 |
| Yellowstone County DUI Task Force Coordinator
Darla Tyler-McSherry hanging a star on the task force's Angel Tree
in the lobby of the Yellowstone County Courthouse. |
Anti-Corrosion
De-Icer
aired December 6, 2011
The MT Department of Transportation awarded a contract to a Missoula-based
company for an additive for the agency's liquid road de-icer. As Jackie
Yamanaka reports, the anti-corrosion product from Rivertop Renewables
is derived from corn sugar. YPR is part of a multi-station public
radio reporting project looking at the issue of transportation. Funding
for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
MT
Federal Emergency Money
aired November 29, 2011
Montana is among 34 states to receive emergency federal highway dollars
to repair roads, bridges, and other transportation structures that were
damaged by natural disasters. The money is from the Federal Highway Administration's
emergency relief program. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
BNSF:
Bakken & Rail
aired November 25, 2011
A Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway official says the oil boom in the
Bakken formation has meant a sizeable increase in rail traffic. As Jackie
Yamanaka reports, that rail traffic is bringing drilling equipment into
the region and transporting crude out to refineries across the U.S. YPR
is part of a multi-station public radio reporting project looking at the
issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
MT
Governor Forum
aired November 14, 2011
The nine candidates seeking the Republican nomination for governor in
2012 gathered in Billings Saturday night. Jackie Yamanaka reports on what
the candidates told the crowd about the size of government, rules and
regulations, and development of the state's natural resources.
Mandatory
Server Training
aired November 10, 2011
Billings Police Department officials say they are seeing a decline in
the number of arrests for driving under the influence. They say the DUI
laws passed by the 2011 Montana Legislature are part of the reason behind
the figures. One of those new laws requires mandatory training for employees
who serve or sell alcoholic beverages. A training was held today in Billings.
Jackie Yamanaka reports. YPR is part of a multi-station public radio
reporting project looking at the issue of transportation. Funding for
the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Stillwater
Mine/Catalyst Recycle
aired November 9, 2011
The world's supply of platinum and palladium comes from underground mines
in Montata, Russia, or Southern Africa . . . or from underneath your vehicle.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports, Stillwater Mining Company has a growing business
in Montana of recycling the platinum group metals. YPR is part of
a multi-station public radio reporting project looking at the issue of
transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
 |
| Dave Shuck, Vice President
/ General Manager of Stillwater's Base Metal Refinery and Analytical
Labratory, holding up a bottle of the platinum-palladium-rhodium rich
product that's shipped out to another refinery for final purification
[photo by Jackie Yamanaka] |
 |
| Greg Roset, Vice President
/ General Manager of Stillwater Mining Company's Smelter and Recycling
operations [photo by Jackie Yamanaka] |
Baucus
/ PTSD
aired Vovember 7, 2011
Senator Max Baucus praises the U.S. military for the progress made so
far to address the rate of suicide among cobat troops returning from conflicts
in Iraq and Afghanistan. The federal mental health screenings are based
on a Montata National Guard pilot program. As Jackie Yamanaka reports,
the program is mandatory.
MSUB
Poll / State Issues
aired November 2, 2011
Montanans support action by the 2011 Legislature to place more restrictions
on the medical marijuana industry and patients. That's according to the
latest Montana State University Billings poll. Respondents are also largely
undecided on who they will support for a number of statewide races in
next year's election. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
LINK: http://www.msubillings.edu/urelations/
Specialty
Plates
aired October 26, 2011
The University of Montana is overwhelmingly beating Montana State University
. . . when it comes to the sale of license plates. According to a recently
released report from the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles: in the
first quarter of fiscal year 2012, UM was the top seller among all the
collegiate plates, while another UM plate for scholarships for student
athletes was number three among all the other organization-sponsored plates.
DMV officials expect specialty plates to remain popular among Montana
motorists. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
LINKS: Montana's
Specialty Plates
Report
on revenue generated from specialty plates
MT
statute allowing organizations to sponsor specialty plates
Law
Enforcement/Head Start
aired October 25, 2011
Billings-area law enforcement officials called on members of Congress
to preserve funding for the early education program Head Start. As Jackie
Yamanaka reports, law enforcement officials say they understand the challenges
lawmakers face to reduce the nation’s deficit, but they say early
education helps save taxpayer dollars in the long run.
LINK: http://www.fightcrime.org/mt
 |
| Billings Police Chief Rich
St. John, Sheriff Mike Linder, and County Attorney Scott Twito reading
"Officer Buckle and Gloria" to students [photo by Jackie
Yamanaka] |
 |
| Billings Police
Chief Rich St. John meeting with students at Head Start [photo by
Jackie Yamanaka] |
Visitng
Poet at Rocky Mountain College
aired October 10, 2011
William
Stobb reads from Absentia: Poems by William Stobb
 pictured:
William Stobb (center, in white shirt) in Nick Plunkey's class at RMC
[photoby Jackie Yamanaka]
Poetry adapts well to the web or Twitter, says visiting poet and playwright
William Stobb of La Crosse, Wisconsin. He calls poetry the most accessible
and cutting edge literary art form today. As Jackie Yamanaka reports,
Stobb is in Billings to talk to students at Rocky Mountain College and
deliver a free poetry reading.
LINK: William
Stobb's website
Car
Share in Boise, ID
aired October 10, 2011
A ribbon-cutting today launched a car sharing program in downtown Boise,
Idaho. Major metropolitan cities around the world have had car share programs
for decades, but it's a relatively new idea in rural states like Idaho.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports, a supporter of the program says car share
is a way to address urban sustainability, curb emissions, and address
traffic and parking congestion.
LINK: Press
Release on the Car Sharing Program in Boise
Yellowstone
County 24/7
aired October 6, 2011
Yellowstone County has new tools to crack down on repeat drunk or drug
impaired drivers. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the Sheriff's department
will officially begin testing under the 24/7 Sobriety program tomorrow
morning.
LINKS: Yellowstone
County DUI Task Force Report (in.pdf format)
Bill
information on SB 42 authorizing a search warrant to obtain a blood test
Montana
statute on search warrants
Bill
information on HB 106 implementing 24/7 statewide
 |
| Yellowstone County Undersheriff
Kevin Evans demonstrating the breathalyzer [photo by Jackie Yamanaka] |
 |
| Yellowstone County Sheriff
Mike Linder talking about the launch of the 24/7 Sobriety program
[photo by Jackie Yamanaka] |
Colleges
of Technology Rebranding
aired October 5, 2011
 pictured:
John Cech, Ph. D., Deputy Commissioner for Two-Year and Community Colleges,
conducts a listening session in Billings [photo by Jackie Yamanaka]
Higher education officials are looking for public input on ways in which
two-year eductation can be more accessible, affordable, and resonsive
in their respective regions. As part of that goal, the five Colleges of
Technology campuses will be re-branded and re-named. Listening sessions
are taking place this month to discuss this issue, including today in
Billings. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Jeff
Essmann Candidacy
aired October 5, 2011
The Republican field for Montana's governor continues to grow. Senate
Majority Leader Jeff Essmann of Billings became the latest candidate to
enter the race. His announcement cmae last night during a statewide telephone
town hall meeting. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Ted Donley Awarded Bronze Star
After nearly seven decades, a Billings WWII veteran was finally awarded
the Bronze Star and six other medals. Ted Donley spent twenty seven months
as a prisoner of war in Nazi Germany between 1943 and 1945.
DOCUMENT (in .pdf format): Sen.
Jon Tester's remarks in the Congressional Record
Two-Year
Education
aired September 30, 2011
A series of public meetings are scheduled next month to talk about the
future of two-year education in the Montana University System. Earlier
this year, the Board of Regents approved a comprehensive mission statement
that includes rebranding and renaming the current Colleges of Technology.
Jackie Yamanaka reports.
LINK: College!NOW!
public meeting schedule (.pdf), MT
University System College!NOW! webpage
FEMA
Funding for MT Projects
aired September 26, 2011
Money to help local communities and states following a natural disaster
is in limbo due to wrangling in Congress. The continuing impasse means
FEMA's disaster relief fund could run out of money early this week. That's
holding up reimbursements for disasters in Montana and 41 other states.
Bust as Jackie Yamanaka reports, at least one Montana county is moving
ahead with road and bridge repairs in the hope that Congress will eventually
fund FEMA in what has been an unprecedented string of natural disasters.
YPR is part of a multi-station public radio reporting project looking
at the issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
 |
| A temporary
bridge, constructed by Roscoe Bridge of Missoula, next to the washed-out
wooden bridge over McDonald Creek [photo by Jackie Yamanaka] |
 |
| Gary Tubach (left), FEMA
Project Specialist and structural engineer, and John Maclean, FEMA
spokesman in Grass Range, MT, look at the damage from Spring flooding
that washed away the approach to a bridge that connects Main Street
and the Forest Grove Road. [photo by Jackie Yamanaka] |
MT
Board of Regents: Pay Plan
aired September 22, 2011
The Board of Regents unanimously approved the operating budgets for the
Montana university system during its meeting this week in Billings. As
Jackie Yamanaka reports, the regents also approved a pay raise for 20
out of its 25 bargaining units that represent faculty and staff.
LINK: View
the Labor Agreements approves by the Regents for MUS employees
MT
Board of Regents: Budget
aired September 21, 2011
A tuition increase and additional federal dollars allowed for growth in
the Montana University System's budget. Addresing the upcoming budget
is one agenda item at the Board of Regents meeting this week at MSU Billings.
Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Rolf
Groseth Inauguration, Board of Regents Preview
aired September 20, 2011
 pictured:
MSU President Waded Cruzado (right) congratulates Chancellor Rolf Groseth
while Jaynee Groseth looks on [photo by Ken Siebert]
Higher education officials, faculty, staff, and community leaders gathered
today for the inauguration Rolf Groseth as Chancellor of Montana State
University Billings. Groseth was appointed to the post last Fall by MSU's
president following a nationwide search. Groseth had served as interim
chancellor following the retirement of then-Chancellor Ron Sexton. As
Jackie Yamanaka reports, Groseth outlined a set of ambitious initiatives
in his inaugural address.
LINK: MT
Board of Regents Agenda
9/11
Memorial Dedication
aired September 12, 2011
Hundreds came to MSU Billings' College of Technology yesterday afternoon
for the dedication of a memorial that features a piece of an I-beam recovered
from the destroyed World Trade Center. Yesterday marked the tenth anniversary
of the September 11th attacks that killed nearly three thousand proplr.
Speakers at the event hope the memorial is not only a reminder of the
event, but brings healing. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
MT
Delegation & Spending Cuts
aired September 9, 2011
The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction held its first meeting
today. Senator Max Baucus is a member of that so-called "super committee"
charged with reducing the deficit by over one-trillion dollars by November
23rd. Two members of Montana's Congressional delegation say they think
Montanans know tough budget cuts are coming and are willing to share in
the pain. But as Jackie Yamanaka reports, they add those cuts have to
be fair.
Steve
Bullock in Billings
 pictured:
MT AG Steve Bullock surrounded by family as he makes his announcement
to run for Governor in 2012 [photo by Jackie Yamanaka]
State Attorney General Steve Bullock became the latest candidate to enter
the crowded race for Montana’s open seat for Governor. Incumbent
Democrat Brian Schweitzer is barred by term-limits from seeking re-election.
Bullock launched his gubernatorial campaign in Billings last evening.
Billings
Complete Streets
aired August 18, 2011
The Billings City Council is to vote Monday on a resolution that
Montana’s largest city consider all users of streets and sidewalks
when it builds a new street or reconstructs an existing road. The policy
is known as “complete
streets.” It aims to make roadways safe for vehicles, pedestrians,
those in a wheel chair, transit riders, and bicyclists. YPR is part
of a multi-station public radio reporting project looking at the issue
of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
LINK: Billings
City Council agenda
DOCUMENT (in .pdf format): Complete
Streets
Billings/Keystone
XL Pipeline
aired August 17, 2011
Officials with the Keystone X-L pipeline project say TransCanada included
safety measures meant to prevent the type of pipeline break that spilled
nearly one-thousand barrels of oil into the Yellowstone River last month.
TransCanada officials are in Montana this week to talk about their project
that would stretch from Alberta Canada and through Montana to refineries
in the US. The Company is hosting an open house to talk with the public
in Glasgow today to talk about the proposed pipeline. TransCanada hosted
a similar event yesterday in Glendive.
MT
Fair/Wall That Heals
aired August 16, 2011
A half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is to arive
today at MontanaFair in Billings. The traveling exhibit is known as "The
Wall That Heals." Veterans groups are meeting the semi hauling the
wall at the rest stop between Billings and Hardin. They will escort the
semi through downtown Billings to its stop at MetraPark this afternoon.
Volunteers are still being sought to help with the replica of the Vietnam
Veterans memorial. People who are interested in donating their time are
asked to call the Yellowstone County Commissioners at 256-2701.
Oil
Spill Briefing
aired August 11, 2011
Nearly one-thousand peole are part of a cleanup effort from last month's
oil pipeline break in the Billings area. Most personnel are either from
ExxonMobil or contractors hired by the company. Jackie Yamanaka has the
latest update. YPR is part of a multi-station public radio reporting
project looking at the issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Metra
Renovations
aired August 10, 2011
 pictured:
A dromedary (Arabian camel) traveling with the Mighty Thomas Carnival
this year [photo by Jackie Yamanaka]
For about the past year, MetraPark offcials have been rebuilding from
the 2010 Father's Day tornado. Among the damage, the roof was torn off
Rimrock Auto Arena. MetraPark officials say most of the major renovation
and repair work is done in time for this year's Montana Fair.
LINK: MetraPark
LINK: Montana
Fair
FMCSA
Decision on Ag Producers & Commercial Driver's Licenses
aired August 10, 2011
The federal government says states will continue to have the power to
regulate the operation of farm machinery and equipment on roads. The Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration was considering a rule change that
would have required agriculture producers to obtain a commercial driver's
license. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, today's decision is a relief to at
least one Montana farm group. YPR is part of a multi-station public
radio reporting project looking at the issue of transportation. Funding
for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
LINK: USDoT
FMCSA press release
DOCUMENT (in .pdf format): FMCSA
guidelines for ag producer exemptions
GE
Aviation, MT Manufacturing
aired August 8, 2011
General Electric officials project growth in the aviation industry and
they're hoping Montana manufacturers might help them meet that demand.
During a symposium today in Billings, company executives met with Montana
manufacturers who are interested in becoming a possible supplier. Jackie
Yamanaka reports.
Day
Hikes with Dogs
aired Monday, August 8, 2011
 pictured:
Authors Wendy Pierce (left) and Becky Warren with their dogs on the Bozeman
Creek [photo by Jackie Yamanaka]
The authors of a new book noticed Montanans are dog crazy. A common site
around the region is a dog hanging her head out of the window or waiting
patiently for her owner outside a downtown business. So they wrote a guide
that highlights some day hike opportunities people can take with their
dogs. Jackie Yamanaka joined the authors—and their dogs—at
one popular Bozeman trail.
LINK: Day
Hikes with Dogs: Western Montana
Flood
Assistance to Individuals
aired July 28, 2011
The federal government accepted the state of Montana’s request for
assistance to help individuals and businesses affected by flooding that
began April 4th. The assistance is available for residents and businesses
in the 19 designated counties or tribal areas. As Jackie Yamanaka reports,
in order to qualify for a grant, those affected need to register with
the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
LINK: Register online: http://www.disasterassistance.gov/
FEMA Registration number: 1-(800)-621-FEMA or TTY 1-(800)-462-7585
DOCUMENTS (in .pdf): FEMA
Release: Disaster Aid, FEMA
Release: Congressional Advisory, Yellowstone
County Letter to Flood Victims, Small
Business Administration (SBA) Assistance
Farmers
& Commercial Driver's License
aired July 27, 2011
Monday is the deadline for comments on a federal proposal that would remove
a state’s power to decide whether agricultural producers need to
have a commercial driver’s license. In Montana, the state Legislature
exempted farmers and ranchers from having such a license to drive their
tractors or other farm equipment on public roads. As Jackie Yamanaka reports,
the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is examining whether
to get rid of state exceptions. YPR is part of a multi-station public
radio reporting project looking at the issue of transportation. Funding
for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
LINK: FMCSA
Op-Ed, sent in response to a request for an interview
Original
Docket request for public comment
MT
statute on ag vehicles on public roads
Dr.
Jay Larson Community Forum
aired July 25, 2011
A Helena doctor is hosting a forum tonight to answer questions about the
many changes taking place in the health care system. As Jackie Yamanaka
reports, Dr. Jay Larson says he's making himself available to answer questions
from the community.
LINK: Dr.
Larson's web site
DOCUMENT (in .pdf format): Dr.
Larson Op-Ed
ConocoPhillips
Megaloads Resume
aired July 21, 2011
A ConocoPhillips spokesman says its idled coker drum shipments will resume
travel toward its Billings refinery shortly after midnight Monday morning.
Jackie Yamanaka reports. YPR is part of a multi-station public radio
reporting project looking at the issue of transportation. Funding for
the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
DOCUMENT (in .pdf format): ConocoPhillips
Shipment Route Map
Reservation
Schools
aired July 20, 2011
State School Superintendent Denise Juneau says four public schools in
eastern Montana are making gains toward student improvement. Under federal
guidelines, states have to identify the 5% persistently lowest achieving
schools based on a federal formula. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, all of
those schools are on a Montana Indian reservation.
LINKS: Montana
OPI: Schools of Promise, Schools
of Promise Feature Story (.pdf link)
Senate
Hearing on Oil Spill
aired July 20, 2011
Montana Senator Max Baucus scolded the federal administrator that regulates
pipelines during a U.S. Senate hearing this morning. The hearing on the
Yellowstone River oil spill was before the Senate's Transportation and
Infrastructure Subcommittee, which is chaired by Baucus. Jackie Yamanaka
reports. YPR is part of a multi-station public radio reporting project
looking at the issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Montana
Workers / Oil Spill
aired July 20, 2011
When Billings-area residents met with Governor Brian Schweitzer last week,
several wanted to know how they could be hired for the Yellowstone River
oil spill cleanup effort. A week later, the deputy director for the Montana
Department of Environmental Quality says some Montanans are ready for
the job. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
ExxonMobil
Oil Supplies
aired July 19, 2011
A spokeswoman for ExxonMobil says the Billings refinery is operating at
reduced capacity because its main supply of crude was a pipeline that
broke earlier this month. That spill dumped crude oil into the Yellowstone
River. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, no employees will be laid off despite
the slowdown. YPR is part of a multi-station public radio reporting
project looking at the issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Oil
Spill Briefing
aired July 18, 2011
Officials working on cleaning up the Yellowstone River from an oil spill
are trying to figure out how to tackle debris piles in the river. These
piles include downed trees, sticks, and other items that are trapping
pools of oil and are covered in oil. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
U.S.
House Hearing on Oil Spill
aired July 14, 2011
A federal pipeline safety regulator says it will probably be months before
investigators know what caused an ExxonMobil pipeline to break early this
month near Laurel. Officials estimate about one-thousand barrels of crude
oil poured into the Yellowstone River before the company stopped the leak.
The comments came before a U.S. House Subcommittee hearing today. Jackie
Yamanaka reports. YPR is part of a multi-station public radio reporting
project looking at the issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
VIDEO LINK: Senator
Jon Tester (D-MT) testimony, Representative
Denny Rehberg's (R-MT) testimony
Governor's
Oil Spill Response
aired July 13, 2011
 pictured:
Governor Brian Schweitzer listens to landowner concerns about the cleanup
of their land following a July 1, 2011 ExxonMobil pipeline break that
spilled up to 1,000 barrels of oil into the Yellowstone River. [photo
by Jackie Yamanaka]
Governor Brian Schweitzer told landowners impacted by an ExxonMobil oil
pipeline break they need to check their property for any signs of oil
residue. Schweitzer met with some landowners today in Billings. State
officials report they’ve heard from about 150 people so far. Officials
think there may be others, this includes absentee landowners. As Jackie
Yamanaka reports, some landowners also expressed frustration with the
cleanup efforts so far. YPR is part of a multi-station public radio
reporting project looking at the issue of transportation. Funding for
the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
E-mail inquiries about the group that's forming for affected landowners
to yellowstonelandowner@gmail.com
Oil
Site Cleanup
aired July 13, 2011
 pictured:
an airboat ferrying crew and cleanup materials at a site just west of
the confluence of the Clark's Fork and Yellowstone Rivers [photo by Jackie
Yamanaka]
A congressional hearing is scheduled tomorrow on the ExxonMobil Pipeline
spill into the Yellowstone River. The hearing comes at the request of
Congressman Denny Rehberg. It’s scheduled before the House Transportation
and Infrastructure Committee which has jurisdiction over pipeline safety
issues. As of yesterday, an Environmental Protection Agency spokesman
said just over 400 people are cleaning up the oil spill. Jackie Yamanaka
was out with crews at the confluence of Clark’s Fork with the Yellowstone
River and has this report. YPR is part of a multi-station public radio
reporting project looking at the issue of transportation. Funding for
the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
EPA
Briefing / Yellowstone Oil Spill
aired July 11, 2011
An Environmental Protection Agency official says dropping water levels
on the Yellowstone River is allowing clean up crews to gain access to
areas previously inaccessible. Crews are entering their second week of
cleaning up after an ExxonMobil pipeline broke July first west of Billings.
High fast water has kept boats from launching. Flood stage in the Billings-area
is 13-feet. The river was at or near that level for much of last week.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports dropping water levels will allow officials
to get a more complete assessment of the oil spill. YPR is part of
a multi-station public radio reporting project looking at the issue of
transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
LINKS: EPA
website on the oil spill, State
of Montana website on the oil spill
PHONE NUMBERS:
888-382-0043 for information, or to file a claim, report
a health concern, or request testing
800-259-0596 to report affected wildlife
406-657-0231 to request jars with which affected residents
can collect their own samples
MT
Historical Society
aired July 5, 2011
Officials with the Montana
Historical Society are re-assessing their options as to if, and when,
the facility might undergo an expansion. A new building was among nine
others listed in a bill that would have allowed the state of Montana to
seek bonds to pay for these construction projects. House Bill 439 died
on the final day of the 2011 Montana Legislature despite early strong
support. Jackie Yamanaka visited the Helena-based facility to get an update
on what's next for the Historical Society.
| Erica James, assistant
Conservator of paintings from the Museum of Fine Arts-Houston, working
on the C.M. Russell painting "When the Land Belonged to God"
[photos by Jackie Yamanaka] |
 |
 |
Battle
of Little Big Horn 135th Anniversary
aired June 21, 2011
The Custer Battlefield Museum in Garryowen is preparing for the 135th
anniversary of the Battle of the Little Big Horn. As Jackie Yamanaka reports,
among this week's festivities will be book signings and a re-enactment
of the battle known by many as "Custer's Last Stand."
LINKS: Custer
Battlefield Museum Events, Custer's
Last Stand Re-Enactment, Crow
Native Days
Semi
Driver Shortage
aired June 20, 2011
The Bakken oil boom in eastern Montana and western North Dakota is exacerbating
the nationwide shortage of licensed semi-truck drivers. Turcking industry
officials say in the next year there's projected to be a shortage of 20,000
drivers nationwide. The Motor Carriers of Montana says in three years
that figure is to grow to 111,000. Jackie Yamanaka has more on how this
shortage is impacting Montana. YPR is part of a multi-station public
radio reporting project looking at the issue of transportation. Funding
for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Megaload
Update
aired June 15, 2011
The director of the Montana Department of Transportation gave lawmakers
a brief update this afternoon on plans to move large oil refinery equipment
through Montana an on to the oil tar sand fields in Alberta, Canada. Jackie
Yamanaka reports. YPR is part of a multi-station public radio reporting
project looking at the issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
DOCUMENT (in .pdf format): ConocoPhillips
Shipment Route Map
Seniors
Transportation
aired June 14, 2011
A national report found that, by 2015, most aging baby boomers will live
where public transportation is poor or non-existent. For those who no
longer drive, that lack of transportation options will trap many seniors
in their homes. The group Transportation for America is calling on Congress
to address the issue during debate of a national transportation re-authorization
bill. The report was unveiled today during a telephone conference call
with reporters from around the country. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the
issue of "aging in place" is not confined to rural areas, but
is also a problem for small cities and suburbs. YPR is part of a multi-station
public radio reporting project looking at the issue of transportation.
Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
LINK: Transportation
for America Report: Aging in Place, Stuck Without Options: Fixing
the Mobility Crisis Threatening the Baby Boom Generation
Aspenlieder
Announces Candidacy for MT Secretary of State
aired June 13, 2011
A senior project manager for a Helena engineering company officially launched
his campaign for Secretary of State. Scott Aspenlieder is seeking the
GOP nomination. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
LINK: Scott
Aspenlieder for Secretary of State 2012
Billings
House Explosion
aired June 9, 2011
The Fire Marshal for the City of Billings has ruled out foul play in the
explosion that destroyed one home and damaged over a dozen others. As
Jackie Yamanaka reports, it may be weeks before officials know the exact
cause of the blast.
DOCUMENT (in .pdf format): Yellowstone
County Emergency Notification for Cell and VoIP Phones
 |
Mike Spini, Billings Fire Department
Fire Marshal, briefs reporters [photo by Jackie Yamanaka]
|
 |
| A survey of the damage, roughly 6 hours
after the explosion on June 8, 2011 [photo by Ken Siebert] |
FEMA
Musselshell County Assessment
aired June 2, 2011
Federal emergency teams began assessing flood damage to roads, bridges
and other public infrastructure today in Montana. It follows action by
Governor Brian Schweitzer. Yesterday, he asked the president the declare
a major disaster in Montana. Schweitzer’s request includes 37 of
Montana’s 56 counties and five American Indian Reservations. If
approved, the federal disaster declaration could provide federal assistance
in repairing damaged public infrastructure. Jackie Yamanaka joined one
of the assessment teams in Roundup and has this report. YPR is part
of a multi-station public radio reporting project looking at the issue
of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Disaster officials looking at Gabe Bridge Road. The
road to the bridge is washed out on both sides by the Musselshell
River. [photo by Jackie Yamanaka] |
Musselshell County DES Director Jeff Gates [photo
by Jackie Yamanaka] |
Flooding:
Rail Service
aired June 1, 2011
Amtrak's Empire Builder passenger rail service is temporarily suspended
between Saint Paul, MN, and Spokane, WA, because of flooding in North
Dakota. This route includes Montana's Hi-Line and uses tracks owned by
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. Jackie Yamanaka has more on the
flood damage affecting these two rail services. YPR is part of a multi-station
public radio reporting project looking at the issue of transportation.
Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Sen.
Baucus: Roundup Visit
aired June 1, 2011
Senator Max Baucus spent yesterday meeting with some of Montana's flood
victims. Baucus helped at the Billings Food Bank and the Red Cross Shelter
at Montana State University Billings before leaving for a tour of the
Roundup area. Jackie Yamanaka talked with Baucus from Roundup and has
this report.
Billings,
Post-Flooding
aired May 25, 2011
The city of Billings bore the brunt of last night’s historic rain
storm. The 3.12 inches of rain that fell yesterday was the most ever recorded
for one day in the city’s history. The storm brought flash-flooding
across the city. Jackie Yamanaka spoke with the county’s Disaster
and Emergency Services Director this afternoon and has this report.
LINK: Yellowstone
County Department of Emergency Services
Fuel
Prices / Tourism Outlook
aired May 19, 2011
A tourism researcher is optimistic for the upcoming summer season even
though fuel prices remain high. GasBuddy-dot-com reports the average price
for a gallon of gasoline is 3-dollars-77 cents in Montana. The upcoming
Memorial Day holiday is the traditional kick-off for the summer tourism
season. Jackie Yamanaka reports. YPR is part of a multi-station public
radio reporting project looking at the issue of transportation. Funding
for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
LINK: Beartooth
Pass Updates & Video, Glacier
Park's Going-To-The-Sun Update
Gas prices are at record highs. Transportation
Nation wants to know if it’s driving a change in your habits.
Are you ditching the car? Changing your vacation plans? Help Transportation
Nation get a gas gauge of the nation by texting the word GAS to 69866
from your mobile phone.
Higher
Fuel Prices / State Budgets
aired May 16, 2011
Montana's fuel proces lag behind the national average of $3.93 per gallon.
Still, the state's gas prices are nearly 80 cents per gallon higher than
a year ago, but below when gas topped four dollars a gallon in 2008. According
to the website gasbuddy.com, the average price for gasoline today is $3.77
per gallon.
Rising fuel prices impact state governments. The 2011 MT Legislature
completed its work on the upcoming budget for the biennium that starts
July 1st. The governor signed House Bill 2 into law last week. Jackie
Yamanaka talked with administrators from two agencies about the effects
of rising gas prices on their agencies. YPR is part of a multi-station
public radio reporting project looking at the issue of transportation.
Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
K-12
Funding
aired April 29
A bill to authorize spending for public schools cleared another set of
hurdles at the Montana Legislature. The Montana House – on a 50-to-49
vote – gave final approval to Senate
Bill 329. The Senate then debated the same bill and approved the bill,
first on a preliminary, then a final 31-to-19 vote. Jackie Yamanaka has
more from the Capitol on the Senate’s debate.
Bonding
Bill
aired April 28, 2011
For the 8th time in just over a month, the full House will vote today
on the bonding bill. House
Bill 439 would allow the state to borrow just over 100-million dollars
for renovations and new buildings around the state. Seven of the projects
are for the Montana University system. The list also includes a veterans
nursing home in Butte, state laboratories, and for the state history museum
in Helena. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
School
Funding Mechanism
aired April 28, 2011
The Montana House barely passed a controversial school funding mechanism
bill that uses oil and gas revenue from Eastern Montana. The bill still
faces a final vote in the House--and a full debate in the Senate today--on
what could be the final legislative day. Jackie Yamanaka has more from
the Capitol.
Bonding
Bill Retry
aired April 27, 2011
House
Bill 439, which seeks bonds to fund 10 state building projects, failed
this morning to get the needed two-thirds final vote in the Montana House.
Most of the projects are for the Montana University system. As Jackie
Yamanaka reports, the sponsor of the bill says he will try this afternoon
to get the House to reconsider its action.
House
Passes Main Budget Bill
aired April 27, 2011
With no debate, the Montana House passed the state’s main budget
bill, House
Bill 2, for the coming biennium. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the
Capitol, the burden to pass the budget rested on Republicans, who hold
a 68-32 majority in the House.
Bonding
Bill
aired April 26, 2011
The Montana House once again gave preliminary approval to House
Bill 439, which would allow nearly 100-million dollars in bonding
for ten state building projects. Supporters say this is a jobs bill that
will help Montana’s economy. But opponents say now is not the time
for the state to incur debt. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Budget
Stalemate
aired April 20, 2011
Republican legislative leaders say they will take a five day Easter recess
to give negotiators time to try to reach an agreement with the Schweitzer
administration in the waning days of the regular legislative session.
Earlier in the day, they told the Republican caucus that unless the governor
provided a written amendatory veto for the state’s main budget bill,
the plan was to take a break. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, Schweitzer says
he had no plans to do that, so lawmakers went ahead and recessed.
Mercury
Rules
aired April 20, 2011
The Montana Senate rejected changes made to House
Bill 593 that would have changed the requirement that power plants
continue to use equipment to control mercury emissions. As Jackie Yamanaka
reports the action effectively kills the bill.
Eminent
Domain
aired April 19, 2011
A divided Montana Senate agreed this morning to revive an eminent domain
bill that had been languishing in committee and bring it to the floor
for debate. During the long floor debate later in the day, however, the
issue divided Senators, regardless of party affiliation. In the end, the
Senate voted 28-22 to pass House
Bill 198. The bill still faces a third and final vote. Jackie Yamanaka
has more from the Capitol.
K-12
Funding Free Conference Committee
aired April 18, 2011
A joint House-Senate committee is beginning its work on crafting a public
school funding mechanism. The free conference committee held an orientation
meeting today. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, members spoke broadly about
some of the key elements of the bill and it became clear there’s
disagreement over the charter school component.
Governor
Veto Branding
aired April 13, 2011
 pictured:
Governor Schweitzer applies the veto branding iron to a copy of Senate
Bill 159
[photo by Montana Public Radio Capitol Reporter Emilie Ritter]
Governor Brian Schweitzer heated up his veto brands near the North steps
of the Capitol and pressed them into a half-dozen Republican bills until
the paper burst into flames. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
VIDEO LINK: Emilie
Ritter's video of the branding event
Bills vetoed today:
SB
114 Federal law enforcement officers should communicate with sheriff
HB
318 Ensure county oversight in movement of publicly-owned wild buffalo
or bison
SB
109 Revise definition of eligible renewable resources
HB
272 Eliminate ability for FWP to use hunting access fees to acquire
fee title lands
SB
159 Revise energy efficiency and code adoption requirements in building
codes
HB
180 Revise close of voter registration
HB
456 Define scope/ boundaries of human sexuality/reproduct ed in K-12
public schools
HB
464 Provide medical liability protection for hard-to-recruit subspecialists
SB
111 Limit noneconomic damages in motor vehicle accidents
SB
228 Prohibit creation of health insurance exchange under PPACA
SB
324 Revise consumer protection laws and settlement proceeds
SB
370 Require cost-benefit analysis of mandated health insurance coverage
of service
SB
254 Provide state eminent domain authority for federal lands
HB
161 Repeal medical marijuana law
SB
183 Revise interim zoning laws
HB
542 Revise subdivision and platting act
SB
306* Revise mining laws regarding cyanide health and vat leach open-pit
mining (Bill hadn't arrived at the office by April 13, 2011, but the Governor
said this would be vetoed and was featured at the "branding")
Business
Equipment Tax / Eliminate Tax Credits
aired April 12, 2011
The Montana House gave narrow approval to a bill that seeks to eliminate
tax credits for energy efficiency and conservation, biodiesel development,
and some other write-offs. The bill is a companion to help pay for a business
equipment tax cut. Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
K-12
School Funding
aired April 11, 2011
The Montana House gave preliminary approval to Senate
Bill 329, a funding mechanism for public schools that uses some oil
and gas tax proceeds from about a dozen eastern Montana counties and gives
a modest inflation increase to K-12 education. Jackie Yamanaka has more
from the Capitol.
Columbia
Falls Veterans' Home Study
aired April 7, 2011
A legislative committee is considering a bill that would study the costs
and benefits of privatizing administration of the Montana Veterans’
Home in Columbia Falls. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
MT
Supreme Court Election Change Referendum
aired March 7, 2011
Montana voters will be asked if they want to change the way justices to
the Montana Supreme Court are elected. Lawmakers can put simple referendums
on the ballot without approval from the governor.
The House gave final approval to Senate
Bill 268. The measure asks voters to replace the current statewide
election for the Montana Supreme Court justices with candidates who would
be elected from designated districts. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the
Capitol.
School
Funding Mechanism
aired March 7, 2011
On a largely party line vote, the House Education Committee approved a
funding mechanism for public schools. The action came over objections
from Democrats who say they were not involved in the crafting this plan.
Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Anonymous
Campaign Materials
aired April 5, 2011
Lawmakers are considering a bill that provides a new, quicker process
for dealing with anonymous campaign materials. Jackie Yamanaka has more
from the Capitol.
School
Funding Mechanism
aired April 5, 2011
The House Education Committee held a work session to consider several
options on how to craft a school funding mechanism for the coming biennium.
The effort is coming late in the legislative session because a Senate
Republican plan failed last month on the Senate floor. As Jackie Yamanaka
reports, the House Committee is under the gun to come up with a plan as
the Free Conference Committee is beginning its deliberations today on
the state’s main budget bill.
24/7
DUI
aired April 4, 2011
The Montana Senate gave preliminary approval to a bill that would require
twice-a-day breath tests for repeat drunk driving offenders. Jackie Yamanaka
has more on House
Bill 106 from the Capitol. YPR is part of a multi-station public
radio reporting project looking at the issue of transportation. Funding
for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Transmission
Siting
aired March 31, 2011
The Montana House gave preliminary approval to a bill to revise the Major
Facility Siting Act to require the state to take into account a wider
corridor for the project. It’s seen as one way to address concerns
of landowners along the project’s proposed route. Jackie Yamanaka
has more from the Capitol.
Work
Comp Bill Heads to Governor
aired March 30, 2011
The Montana House overwhelmingly approved the Senate’s changes to
a bill seeking to reform the Workers’ Compensation system. Work
Comp is a mandated insurance program to take care of employees who are
injured in the job. In exchange for guaranteed benefits, the injured worker
gives up his or her right to seek a remedy in court. The action sends
House
Bill 334 to the governor, who supports the bill. Jackie Yamanaka has
more from the Capitol.
Eminent
Domain Bill Dies in House
aired March 30, 2011
A bill that sought to give landowners protection when their property is
condemned by utilities or other project developers was killed in the House.
The action came at the sponsor’s request. The action leaves up in
the air what will happen with a key issue that has been called important
for “jobs.” Some were saying legislative action was needed
to speed up development of a proposed and controversial power line project
that spans from Canada to Montana. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
DUI
Warrants
aired March 29, 2011
The Montana House gave preliminary approval to a bill that would give
law enforcement the authority to obtain a search warrant for a breath
or blood test in a suspected DUI case. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the
Capitol. YPR is part of a multi-station public radio reporting project
looking at the issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Health
Care Exchanges
aired March 29, 2011
A Democratic lawmaker was unsuccessful in his attempt to bring a Republican
bill to create a health insurance exchange off the table in committee
and to the full House for debate. An exchange is basically a one stop
shop for individuals and businesses to see what products health insurance
companies are offering and at what cost. Jackie Yamanaka has more from
the Capitol.
Coal
Tax Retirement Plans
aired March 29, 2011
The House gave preliminary approval to a bill that seeks to use some coal
tax money to make up the actuarial shortfall in the retirement systems
for public employees. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Animal
Welfare
aired March 28, 2011
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted in favor of a bill that would revise
Montana’s animal welfare laws to provide for how to pay for the
care of animals seized in abuse and neglect cases. Jackie Yamanaka has
more from the Capitol.
Business
Equipment Tax Cut
aired March 25, 2011
On party line votes, the GOP-controlled Senate gave preliminary approval
to their business equipment tax reduction. As Jackie Yamanaka reports
from the Capitol, some of the money lost from this bill would be made
up by eliminating some tax credits and from a tax shift to homeowners.
PERS
Reform
aired March 25, 2011
A bill to overhaul the public employees retirement system barely passed
the Montana Senate. The full Senate gave final approval to the bill today
on a 26-to-24 vote. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
GOP
K-12 Funding Changes
aired March 25, 2011
The Senate Finance and Claims committee amended a key GOP public school
funding bill over the objections of Democrats. The new bill changes the
way block grants are distributed and it removes about 12-million dollars
in funding for public schools for the coming biennieum. The action was
done to try to get enough votes after Senate
Bill 403 failed a third and final vote Wednesday. Jackie Yamanaka
has more from the Capitol.
Pay-Plan
Blast / Food Banks
aired March 24, 2011
Democrats failed in an attempt last evening to bring two bills from committee
to the full House floor for debate. House
Bill 13 was over the state pay plan that affects nearly 12-thousand
workers. House
Bill 221 was a budget request that would give food banks money to
buy food. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Revenue
Estimates
aired March 23, 2011
The House Taxation Committee today passed a revenue estimate resolution.
House
Joint Resolution 2 was amended to take into account the revised revenue
figures provided by legislative staff. The bottom line is it adds just
over 63-million dollars in anticipated revenue over the next three fiscal
years to the figure adopted during the interim last November. Jackie Yamanaka
has more from the Capitol.
GOP
School Funding Proposal
aired March 22, 2011
By a narrow margin, the Montana Senate gave preliminary approval to Senate
Bill 403, which would change the school funding formula and put into
effect a new program that would award schools more money based on student
performance. Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
Metal
Mine Meeting
aired March 21, 2011
 pictured:
Gov Brian Scweitzer meets with mine officials Tad
Dale, VP of Human Resources for Montana Resources (foreground
left); Tim Dimock, General Manager of Golden Sunlight
Mine (white shirt); and John Baudry, public affairs manager
of Stillwater Mining Company. Not pictured: John Shanahan,
CEO and President of Revett Minerals, Inc. [photo by Jackie
Yamanaka]
Four metal mine officials told Governor Brian Schweitzer they are optimistic
about their industry’s prospects in Montana. But they worry about
future exploration efforts in Montana. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the
Capitol.
Montana
Rail Link Outlook
aired March 21, 2011
A spokesman for Montana Rail Link says the future is bright. The short-line
rail company recently hired back 50 furloughed employees and is in the
midst of hiring 45 additional rail crew members. Jim Lewis says the plan
is to have those hires completed by the end of April. Lewis is the director
of sales and marketing for Montana Rail Link. Last week he was at a coal
conference in Florida and he talked with Jackie Yamanaka about what the
growing demand for coal and other commodities will mean for the railroad.
YPR is part of a multi-station public radio reporting project looking
at the issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
House
Taxation Revenue Estimates
aired March 17, 2011
Lawmakers are considering a bill that would set revenue collection estimates
for the coming biennium. The figure is important because lawmakers base
their spending decisions on the revenue estimates. Currently, the GOP
majority is crafting a state budget based on $3.6 billion in tax revenue
collections for the coming two years. But the Democratic Schweitzer Administration
says that figure should be higher by $100 million. The revenue estimates
are contained in House
Joint 2 heard today before the House Taxation Committee. As Jackie
Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, lawmakers heard the disagreement over
what estimate figure is most accurate.
Big
Rigs in Helena
aired March 16, 2011
pictured below: a big rig makes its
way through Helena [photo by Jackie Yamanaka]
Early this morning, the big rigs hauling two of four loads to a Billings
refinery crossed through Helena, the second major city on its route. Unlike
the trip through Missoula, which drew a crowd of several hundred and resulted
in one arrest, only a handful of people came out to watch the load transverse
one major Helena intersection at Custer and Montana Avenue. Jackie Yamanaka
was there and filed this report. YPR is part of a multi-station public
radio reporting project looking at the issue of transportation. Funding
for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
DOCUMENTS (in .pdf format): ConocoPhillips
Fact Sheet, Equipment Route Map
 |
GOP
K-12 Funding Plan
aired March 15, 2011
Lawmakers are considering a Republican plan to fund public education that
allows for oil and gas money from eastern Montana to be distributed statewide.
Supporters of Senate
Bill 403 say this bill would give schools a slight inflationary increase,
money for at-risk students, and rewards schools for achieving excellence.
But opponents say funding should come from the state’s general fund
not oil and gas money, a volatile source. Jackie Yamanaka has more from
the Capitol.
Arch
Coal / Otter Creek Update
aired March 14, 2011
The Director of Operations for the Otter Creek Coal tracts told Montana’s
governor the company is preparing to hire and train employees for its
southeastern Montana Mine. Mike Rowlands hopes to receive a surface mine
permit in 2012. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Megaloads:
Missoula
aired March 10, 2011
ConocoPhillips successfully transported its refinery equipment through
the City of Missoula early this morning. The two loads are each 26 feet
high and 29 feet wide. As the loads lumbered down Reserve Street, crews
had to move traffic signals and utility lines out of the way. A ConocoPhillips
spokesman from Houston flew to Missoula to accompany the loads. He spoke
with Jackie Yamanaka who has this report. YPR is part of a multi-station
public radio reporting project looking at the issue of transportation.
Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Governor
Tax Relief Bills
aired March 10, 2011
Montana lawmakers are considering a pair of bills (Senate
Bill 392, Senate
Bill 393) that would provide some tax relief to small businesses and
homeowners. Both bills were heard today before the Senate Taxation Committee.
Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Amending
Montana's Constitution
aired March 9, 2011
Montana lawmakers are considering a bill (Senate
Bill 204) that would make it harder for voters to amend the state
constitution through the ballot box. The bill’s sponsor says his
intent make sure a broad cross section of Montanans are involved in the
discussion of constitutional changes. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the
Capitol.
Gov.
Schweitzer / YNP Superintendent
aired March 8, 2011
 pictured:
Gov. Brian Schweitzer, left, and Yellowstone National Park Superintendent
Daniel Wenk [photo by Jackie Yamanaka]
Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer told the new superintendent of Yellowstone
National Park he thinks bison should be culled within the park. Schweitzer
says it is mainly for population control. But as Jackie Yamanaka reports,
Yellowstone’s superintendent says culling is not a workable option
right now.
Felony
DUI
aired March 7, 2011
A Havre lawmaker wants to make a third DUI conviction a felony and force
offenders into mandatory detoxification. The House of Representatives
gave preliminary approval to House
Bill 299. Representative Kris Hansen says her goal is to hit DUI offenders
hard and get to them early. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
YPR is part of a multi-station public radio reporting project looking
at the issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
K-12
Appropriations
aired March 4, 2011
The Republican majority on the House Appropriations Committee approved
their plan to fund Montana’s public schools. The funding is contingent
on passage of bills that would change where some of the money comes from.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, some of that money comes
from oil and gas revenue from Eastern Montana, but it’s not the
governor’s proposal.
DPHHS
Budget
aired March 3, 2011
Republicans on the House Appropriations Committee are resisting attempts
by Democrats to restore funding to the budget for the Montana Department
of Health and Human Services. The GOP majority notes the agency’s
budget for the coming biennium is just over 642-million dollars more than
the previous budget year. Democrats argue, however, that’s because
Republican’s raided tobacco settlement accounts and relied on other
funding switches and sources. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Tax
Protests/Schools
aired March 2, 2011
The Montana Senate gave preliminary approval to Senate
Bill 219, which would allow industrial property owners to protest
their property tax bill without harming the local public school district
or local governments. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
MegaLoads
aired February 28, 2011
 pictured:
Jackie Yamanaka stands near some of the equipment being shipped to Billings
view
full size
Winter weather is delaying the MegaLoads bound for the ConocoPhillips
refinery in Billings. One load has been waiting near Lolo Hot Springs
for about two weeks. The plan is to move all of the loads together once
they reach Montana to lessen the disruptions. Jackie Yamanaka reports
from Lolo Hot Springs. YPR is part of a multi-station public radio
reporting project looking at the issue of transportation. Funding for
the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
DOCUMENT (in .pdf format): ConocoPhillips
map of the megaloads route
Workers'
Compensation Reform
aired February 23, 2011
On a party-line vote, the Montana House gave preliminary approval to a
GOP plan to revise the state’s Workers’ Compensation system.
Work Comp insurance covers employees who are injured on the job. As Jackie
Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, both sides agree the system needs reform,
but they disagree where the costs savings should come from.
Medical
Malpractice Reform
aired February 22, 2011
The Montana House gave preliminary approval to a bill seeking to protect
doctors from civil immunity if they document in a patient's medical record
why they didn’t order a particular test, medication, or procedure.
The sponsor of House
Bill 405 says doctors routinely practice defensive medicine out of
fear they’ll be sued. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
State
Law Enforcement
aired February 22, 2011
The Montana House gave preliminary approval to a bill that would prohibit
local governments from opting out of enforcing portions of state law.
House
Bill 391 was introduced at the request of Missoula’s County
attorney. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, the bill comes
after a 2006 local initiative that declared marijuana to be a low priority
for local law enforcement.
DUI:
Criminalize Test Refusals
aired February 17, 2011
The Senate Judiciary Committee is considering another bill to deal with
repeat DUI offenders. Attorneys say repeat DUI offenders know if they
refuse breath tests it’s harder for the criminal justice system
to prosecute such cases. Senate
Bill 308 seeks to create a criminal offense if a person is arrested
on suspicion of driving under the influence and refuses to submit to a
breath or blood test. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, the
families of victims of DUI car crashes asked lawmakers to give prosecutors
and law enforcement officials another tool. YPR is part of a multi-station
public radio reporting project looking at the issue of transportation.
Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Bonding
Bill
aired February 17, 2011
Governor Brian Schweitzer did not include projects that would require
bonds in his budget proposal to the 2011 Montana Legislature. But a Helena
legislator says Montana’s budget picture is brightening so he and
a counterpart in the Senate began working on their own 90-million-dollar
bonding bill. Among the projects that would receive funding under House
Bill 439: a new state history museum, a veteran’s home in Butte,
and university system building projects across the state. Jackie Yamanaka
has more from the Capitol.
DUI
Warrants
aired February 16, 2011
The Montana Senate gave preliminary approval to a bill that would allow
law enforcement officers to get a search warrant to administer a breath
or blood test. It’s an effort to catch repeat DUI offenders. This
is one of the major issues at the Montana Legislature this session. Jackie
Yamanaka has more from the Capitol on Senate floor action on one of the
bills. YPR is part of a multi-station public radio reporting project
looking at the issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Defensive
Medicine / Medical Malpractice
aired February 15, 2011
There are several bills at the Montana Legislature aimed at reducing medical
costs. Some argue one way to do that is by tort reform. The House Business
and Labor Committee heard about one bill to protecting doctors from medical
negligence claims. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Megaloads
on MT Highways
aired February 15, 2011
pictured: MT DOT Director Jim
Lynch testifies before the House Transportation Committee  [photo
by Jackie Yamanaka]
The issue of transporting large loads has heightened attention because
ConocoPhillips is currently moving several large loads of equipment from
Lewiston, Idaho to its refinery in Billings. Lawmakers are being asked
to consider a bill that would tighten regulations of these large loads
through Montana. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol. YPR is
part of a multi-station public radio reporting project looking at the
issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
BILL INFORMATION: House
Bill 507
LINK: MT
DOT Current Environmental Documents (scroll down to "Kearl Module
Transport Project")
Medical
Marijuana
aired February 11, 2011
A Helena lawmaker wants to license and regulate the medical marijuana
providers. The sponsor--Senator Dave Lewis of Helena--made several changes
to his bill. Even though they were not fully incorporated into the bill
he presented today to the Senate Judiciary Committee, the medical marijuana
industry supports those changes. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Sen.
Tester Addresses Joint Legislature
aired February 11, 2011
U-S Senator Jon Tester stands by his vote for the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009. The bill has been criticized by some as a waste
of billions of dollars of taxpayers money. The Democrat told Montana lawmakers
the bill benefited Montana. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Medical
Marijuana Repeal
aired February 10, 2011
The Montana House gave preliminary approval to a bill that seeks to repeal
the voter passed Medical Marijuana ballot measure. Supporters say what
started out as a well-intentioned idea has blossomed into legalization
of an illicit drug and caused organized crime to infiltrate the state.
But opponents say legislation to regulate is the better option. Jackie
Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
BILL INFORMATION: House
Bill 161
Death
Penalty / Assisted Suicide
aired February 10, 2011
The Senate Judiciary Committee today voted to send to the full Senate
for debate a bill that seeks to abolish the death penalty. But the panel
rejected a bill that would set rules for physician assisted suicide following
a recent Montana Supreme Court ruling. Jackie Yamanaka reports from the
Capitol.
BILL INFORMATION: Senate
Bill 185, Senate
Bill 167
Workers'
Compensation Bills
aired February 9, 2011
There’s consensus that Montana’s Workers’ Compensation
system is broken. The state has the highest premiums in the nation, but
benefits to workers injured on the job are low. Two bills have emerged
as key vehicles to address the issue and both were heard today at the
Capitol. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
BILL INFORMATION: Senate
Bill 243, House
Bill 334, House
Bill 186
Nullify
Federal Laws
aired February 8, 2011
A legislator from Whitefish charges the federal government overstepped
its bounds with the federal health care legislation and wolf reintroduction.
Representative Derek Skees of Whitefish says that’s why he’s
sponsoring a bill to allow Montana to nullify federal legislation. But
some members of the House Judiciary Committee wonder if House
Bill 382 is constitutional. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
BILL INFORMATION: From 2007 Session: House
Bill 287, House
Bill 384
MT
Citizenship
aired February 8, 2011
A legislator from Billings says the 14th Amendment to the U-S Constitution
has been misapplied. So Republican Representative James Knox has a bill
(House
Bill 392) that would define who would qualify to be a citizen of the
state of Montana. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Congressman
Rehberg (R-MT) Addresses Joint Session of MT Legislature
aired February 7, 2011
Congressman Denny Rehberg continued his criticism of the federal health
care law and other policies of the Obama administration during a speech
to a joint session of the Montana Legislature. Jackie Yamanaka has more
from the Capitol.
Concealed
Carry
aired February 3, 2011
A state lawmaker from Laurel wants to change Montana’s concealed
carry law to allow people to have their firearms in places where they
are now prohibited, like bars. Representative Krayton Kerns presented
his House
Bill 384 today before the House Judiciary Committee. Jackie Yamanaka
has more from the Capitol.
Medical
Marijuana Repeal
aired February 3, 2011
A large crowd gathered at the Capitol yesterday afternoon to testify for
or against a bill seeking to repeal Montana’s medical marijuana
law. House
Bill 161 seeks to repeal Initiative 148, the 2004 ballot measure passed
by Montana voters that allowed medical marijuana for debilitating conditions.
Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Guns
aired February 2, 2011
The House Judiciary Committee is considering several gun bills this session.
This includes a bill that says employers can’t prohibit their employees
from keeping a firearm in a locked vehicle at workplace parking lot. Another
bill seeks to change the concealed carry law. Jackie Yamanaka has more
from the Capitol.
BILL INFORMATION: House
Bill 271, House
Bill 368
Old
Fund Administration
aired February 1, 2011
A Butte Senator thinks he has a way to bring down the administrative costs
for handling claims for on-the-job injuries that occurred before July
first, 1990. Those are covered by what’s called the Old Fund Liability.
They’re currently administered by State Fund at a cost of about
900-thousand dollars a year. Senator
Jim Keane thinks that cost can be reduced by putting administration
of the Old Fund out for competitive bid. Jackie Yamanaka has more from
the Capitol.
BILL INFORMATION: Senate
Bill 232
Workers'
Compensation: HB 334
aired January 31, 2011
At the Montana Legislature, there’s agreement Montana has the highest
Workers’ Compensation premiums in the nation. Disagreement comes
over how to bring those rates down for the insurance program that covers
on-the-job injuries. House
Bill 334 seeks to cut rates by as much as 40-percent. But opponents
say that will come on the backs of injured workers. Jackie Yamanaka has
more from the Capitol.
Property
and Out-of-State Taxpayers
aired January 27, 2011
Montana lawmakers are again considering a bill to try to capture taxes
on gains from the sale of property by non-residents. House Bill 222 comes
at the request of the Schweitzer Administration. Jackie Yamanaka has more
from the Capitol.
BILL INFORMATION: House
Bill 222
School
Attendance/Tax Deduction
aired January 27, 2011
A bill to raise the legal drop-out age in Montana was killed earlier this
session in the Senate Education Committee. But a Republican legislator
from Helmville has other tactics. He’s seeking to encourage parents
to keep their children in school by tying the income tax deduction for
dependants to attendance. Representative Mike Miller presented his House
Bill 247 to the House Taxation Committee today. Jackie Yamanaka reports
from the Capitol.
BILL INFORMATION: House
Bill 247, House
Bill 215
State
of the State: GOP Response
aired January 27, 2011
While Governor Brian Schweitzer delivered an upbeat message about the
state and its finances, Republicans were more somber in their response
to the State of the State address. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Senate
Floor/Health Care Votes
aired January 26, 2011
The Senate gave preliminary approval to a pair of bills that seek to challenge
the federal health care law. The first bill would require the state Attorney
General to join Florida’s lawsuit challenging the constitutionality
of the law. The second would prohibit the state from enforcing the insurance
purchase mandate. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
BILL INFORMATION: Senate
Bill 106, Senate
Bill 125
DUI
Bills, House Judiciary Executive Action
aired January 25, 2011
The House Judiciary Committee unanimously passed a bill that seeks to
change the way Montana handles some repeat DUI offenders. The 24/7 Sobriety
Project would mandate offenders submit to and pay for twice a day alcohol
and drug testing. Complying would keep them out of jail. Violation would
result in immediate incarceration. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
YPR is part of a multi-station public radio reporting project looking
at the issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
BILL INFORMATION: House
Bill 106, House
Bill 33
School
Bullying
aired January 25, 2011
Montana lawmakers are considering a bill to address the issue of bullying,
harassment or intimidation in public schools. Lawmakers heard from students
who were the subject of bullying… and from parents and school officials
who support and oppose Senate Bill 141. Jackie Yamanaka has more from
the Capitol.
Minors
Drinking Loophole
aired January 20, 2011
There’s a loophole in Montana law that allows juveniles to drink
if the parent is there to provide consent. A Montana legislator wants
to address that. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
DUI
Bills
aired January 20, 2011
The House and Senate Judiciary continued their hearings today on one of
the key issues before the 2011 Montana Legislature – drunk driving.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports, two of those bills seek to address the growing
refusal rate of a breath test by drivers suspected of DUI. Jackie Yamanaka
has more from the Capitol. YPR is part of a multi-station public radio
reporting project looking at the issue of transportation. Funding for
the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Sen.
Jim Shockley (R-Victor) Resigns Chairmanship
aired January 20, 2011
ADDITIONAL AUDIO:
Unedited
audio of the Senate Judiciary Committee meeting
Senator Jim Shockley stepped down as chairman of the Senate Judiciary
Committee this morning. The action came after the Republican from Victor
was cited for an open container violation while driving in Missoula last
Friday. On Tuesday, the attorney paid the 51-dollar fine. Jackie Yamanaka
has more from the Capitol.
Impaired
Drivers / HB 33
aired January 19, 2011
The House Judiciary Committee is considering a bill that would revise
the impaired driving law to add that any amount of a dangerous drug is
a violation. Supporters of medical marijuana spoke against House Bill
33, saying it would criminalize the nearly 27,000 people who hold medical
marijuana cards. But the bill’s sponsor says that’s only if
they’re pulled over because of a traffic violation and there’s
probable cause of impaired driving. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the
Capitol. YPR is part of a multi-station public radio reporting project
looking at the issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Repeat
DUI Bills
aired January 19, 2011
 pictured:
State Attorney General Steve Bullock testifying before
the House Judiciary Committee in favor of HB 106. The photo in the background
is from the crash that killed MHP Trooper Michael Haynes in 2009. Haynes
was hit head-on by a drunk driver.
[photo by Jackie Yamanaka]
Numerous bills to crack down on drunk drivers are being heard by Montana
lawmakers. This week, lawmakers are hearing 17 bills on the issue that
has had a number of high profile deaths recently. This includes two Montana
Highway Patrol officers who were struck head-on by drunk drivers. Jackie
Yamanaka has more from the Capitol on two bills aimed at address repeat
offenders. YPR is part of a multi-station public radio reporting project
looking at the issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
DOCUMENT (in .pdf format): Interim
Law and Justice Committee report on DUI and other issues
LINK: South
Dakota 24/7 program
Review
Insurance Premiums
aired Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Montana lawmakers are considering a bill to require health insurance companies
to file their rates with the state insurance commissioner. Those rates
would be due 60 days before they would go into effect. It’s the
same guidelines that insurance companies already have to follow in notices
to policyholders. House Bill 105 would allow the commissioner to review
the rate filing. But some details of bill were changed. Jackie Yamanaka
has more from the Capitol.
Eminent
Domain / MT DOT
aired January 17, 2011
Lawmakers are considering another eminent domain bill at the Montana Legislature.
The sponsor of House Bill 240 says it comes at the request of landowners
upset with the process used to widen Highway 287 south of Townsend. Opponents,
however, say if approved this bill would have far reaching effects that
expand beyond highway projects. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
YPR is part of a multi-station public radio reporting project looking
at the issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Vehicular
Homicide / DUI Minors
aired January 17, 2011
At the Montana Legislature, the House Judiciary Committee is considering
a bill that would allow minors who kill someone while driving under the
influence be charged as an adult. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
YPR is part of a multi-station public radio reporting project looking
at the issue of transportation. Funding for the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Hit
and Run Loophole
aired January 13, 2011
Lawmakers are considering a bill to close a loophole in Montana law to
clarify that a driver has a duty to remain at the scene of an accident
involving death, personal injury or damage to a vehicle. Jackie Yamanaka
has more from the Capitol. YPR is part of a multi-station public radio
reporting project looking at the issue of transportation. Funding for
the Transportation
Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Bill
to Prevent Federal Health Care Implementation in MT
aired January 13, 2011
Lawmakers heard another bill related to the federal health care overhaul
law. This one seeks to prevent the state of Montana from implementing
or enforcing a key provision of the federal Patient Protection and Affordability
Care Act. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Lawsuit
to Challenge Federal Health Care
aired January 12, 2011
A bill to seeking to have Montana join the legal challenge to the constitutionality
of the federal health care overhaul law was heard today at the Montana
Legislature. The measure seeks to direct the Montana Attorney General
to join a Florida lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, this morning’s
hearing also veered from the intent of the bill and on to health care
in general.
LINK: http://www.healthcarelawsuit.us/
5%
Budget Reduction/DPHHS
aired January 11, 2011
At the Montana Legislature, the budget committees carried out the directive
of the Republican majority and reduced budgets by at least 5-percent.
Today’s vote was along party lines. Republicans say this is just
the starting point for the budget examination, but opponents call the
move “draconian.” Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol
on how this action might affect the Health and Human Services budget.
Federal
Health Care Law Overview
aired January 10, 2011
One of the priorities for the GOP Majority at the Montana Legislature
is addressing the federal health care overhaul law. To get a better understanding
of the law and how it will affects states, a health care expert from the
National Conference of State Legislatures was invited to provide an overview.
N-C-S-L is a bi-partisan resource for state lawmakers. Montana’s
state insurance commissioner also spoke to members of six legislative
committees. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINKS: National
Conference of State Legislatures
Kaiser Family Foundation
Budget
Preview
aired January 7, 2011
At the Montana Legislature, the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee
says the budget writing panels will take action next week to reduce state
spending by five-percent from current levels. Republican Representative
Walt McNutt says the joint appropriations subcommittees will each use
that figure as a starting point in the budget process rather than the
Schweitzer Administration’s budget proposal. Jackie Yamanaka has
more from the Capitol.
Vote
By Mail
aired January 5, 2011
Montana lawmakers are to consider a bill (HB
130) to expand the use of mail ballots to all local, municipal, state
and federal elections across the state. The bill’s sponsor and the
Secretary of State said during a press conference at the Capitol vote-by-mail
could save counties more than two million dollars every election cycle.
Jackie Yamanaka reports.
DOCUMENTS (in .pdf format): Vote
By Mail Main Points
Vote By Mail HB 130 Highlights
Vote By Mail Annual
Plan Requirements
Vote By Mail Drop Boxes and
Staffed Places of Deposit
Federal
Health Care Legislation
aired January 4, 2011
At the Montana Legislature, the Republican majority said it is against
the federal health care overhaul law’s implementation in the state.
Bills have been drafted to do that. At the same time, lawmakers are expected
to debate other bills that would give the state the ability to carry out
key components of the federal law. State Insurance Commissioner Monica
Lindeen met with Governor Brian Schweitzer to discuss the issue. Jackie
Yamanaka reports.
Budget
Disagreement
aired January 4, 2011
On day one of the 2011 Montana Legislature it became clear the Schweitzer
Administration and the Republican legislative majority disagree when it
comes to the state budget. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
2011
MT Legislature Opens
aired January 3, 2011
 pictured:
Secretary of State Linda McCulloch and newly elected
House Speaker Mike Milburn (R-Cascade) [photo
by Jackie Yamanaka]
The 62nd session of the Montana Legislature is officially underway. As
Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, the opening day was largely
ceremonial. The first order of business was to get sworn into office.
|
