The Montana 2013 Biennium Budget: Updated May 2012

Abstract

DOI 10.1515/cjpp-2013-0026 Calif. J. Politics Policy 2013; 5(3): 459–480 Jeffrey D. Greene* The Montana 2013 Biennium Budget: Updated May 2012 Abstract: This report provides a brief update on Montana’s 2013 Biennium Budget. There was not a legislative session in 2012; Montana’s legislature meets once every other year and has a biennium budget. Despite the state of the economy and the condition of most state budgets, Montana managed to balance its budget and leave a surplus. This does not reflect the “best of economic times” for the state – Montana has a history of being frugal with its finances and both politi- cal parties tend to keep state and local government small. This is just part of the political culture of the state. Keywords: budget; FY 2012–2013; governor; legislature; Montana. *Corresponding author: Jeffrey D. Greene, Department of Political Science, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59808, USA, e-mail: Jeffrey.greene@umontana.edu 1 Update on 2013 Biennium Budget Montana’s legislature, which meets once every other year and has a biennium budget, did not have a legislative session in 2012. Despite the state of the economy and the condition of most state budgets, Montana managed to balance its budget and leave a surplus. This does not reflect the “best of economic times” for the state – Montana has a history of being frugal with its finances and both politi- cal parties tend to keep state and local government small. This is just part of the political culture of the state. There were a number of events in 2011 that could have helped the state’s economy. The Keystone Pipeline was supposed to run through Montana and help provide a much needed economic boost, but President Obama brought the project to an end; at least for now. This was a disappointment for both Democrats and Republicans in the state – both parties strongly supported the pipeline project while the state’s environmental groups considered President Obama’s decision to be a victory. Yet another hope for the state is to develop its oil reserves. Eastern Montana has oil reserves similar to those currently being developed in North Dakota, which have created a boom for their economy. But parts of Montana are restricted and