Kicking off his fifth annual 56 County Tour, Governor Greg Gianforte hit the road this week, visiting Montanans in Sheridan, Daniels, Roosevelt, McCone, and Richland counties, spotlighting legislative wins, economic development, and investments in education.
“Over the course of the next few months, we’ll hit the road visiting each of Montana’s 56 counties to celebrate all that the Treasure State has to offer,” Gov. Gianforte said. “From honoring our nation’s heroes to celebrating wins from the legislative session, to highlighting our small business owners, farmers, and ranchers – we’ll be recognizing exceptional Montanans across our great state.”
Supporting Small Business and Workforce
Throughout the tour, the governor emphasized the impact of economic reforms from the 2023 legislative session, including raising the business equipment tax exemption from $100,000 to $1 million—removing the burden for 5,000 Montana businesses.
In McCone County, Gianforte visited Circle H Nutrition, a family-run agricultural supplier founded by Flint and Jana Hance of Hance Red Angus. The business has supported local ranchers for over 16 years, offering essential supplies like minerals and vaccines.
Investing in Education
In Roosevelt County, the governor visited Wolf Point High School to highlight recent efforts to increase starting teacher pay. Last week, Gianforte signed the STARS Act, investing over $100 million to raise entry-level salaries for Montana teachers. This builds on the success of the TEACH Act, which supported nearly 500 new educators in its first year.
Ms. Harada, a second-year Wolf Point teacher and TEACH Act recipient, told the governor the program made it possible for her to return home and begin her career. “It’s motivating to have those types of incentives,” she said. “It helps those new to the career get started and stay in Montana.”
Licensing Reform in Focus
The tour also spotlighted Montana’s sweeping occupational licensing reforms. In Sheridan County, Gianforte held a ceremonial signing of House Bill 426, sponsored by Rep. Valerie Moore, R-Plentywood, to streamline real estate appraiser licensing.
In Richland County, he ceremonially signed House Bill 239, sponsored by Rep. Morgan Thiel, R-Sidney, aimed at simplifying contractor licensing and protecting consumers. The bill is part of a broader package of 26 reform measures spearheaded by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), impacting nearly 200,000 licensed professionals.
“This package of 26 bills represents the most comprehensive licensing reform Montana has seen in a generation,” said DLI Commissioner Sarah Swanson. “Time to licensure matters. Thanks to these reforms, our Department will be able to serve both licensees and the public more effectively.”
House Speaker Brandon Ler, R-Savage, who joined the governor in Sidney, praised the collaborative effort. “We got all 26 licensing reform bills through. That was a testament to Commissioner Swanson and bill carriers like Representative Thiel who did the hard work.”
Celebrating Montana’s Agricultural Heritage
In Daniels County, the governor toured Cahill Seeds in Flaxville, one of the state’s largest seed growers. The family-run business has operated for over three decades and produces a variety of crops, including wheat, lentils, flax, and chickpeas, serving customers in Montana, Canada, and beyond.
Gianforte’s statewide tour continues in the coming months, with plans to visit all 56 counties to celebrate community achievements, spotlight local businesses, and reinforce the administration’s commitment to economic growth and opportunity for all Montanans.
By: DNU staff