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News Desk
YPR News Desk
Jackie Yamanaka, News Director
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Nation project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Capitol Connections
Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm
Capitol Connections is a weekly update from the 63rd Montana Legislature, hosted and produced by YPR News Director Jackie Yamanaka.
Find out more about how the public can monitor and participate in the 2013 Legislative Session
YPR News Audio Archive
YPR maintains an archive of News Director Jackie Yamanaka's recent stories.
 Bullock Signs State Parks Commission Bill
aired April 30, 2013
Montana's State Parks will now have their own governing board with the creation of a new state parks and recreation commission. Governor Steve Bullock signed House Bill 24 into law yesterday afternoon at Pictograph Cave State Park in Billings. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
GOP Rift
aired April 25, 2013
A group of House and Senate Republicans went against their leadership several times and joined Democrats in passing key bills. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol on the group that’s calling itself “the responsible Republicans.”
Gov. Bullock Reacts to Sine Die
aired April 25, 2013
Soon the main budget bill and its companions will travel to Governor Steve Bullock for his consideration. The Democrat won’t say definitively if he will sign House Bill 2 and the companion budget bill that was part of a late Tuesday night negotiated deal. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
2013 MT Legislature Sine Die
aired April 24 2013
The Montana House of Representatives wasted no time this morning following its late night floor session last night. The story was different in the Senate. Jackie Yamanaka starts our team coverage from the Capitol with the action from the House, and Dan Boyce wraps up with the Senate.
House Bill 2 Negotiated Fix
aired April 24, 2013
Legislative leaders and the Bullock administration were able to come to a deal over a dispute over the state’s main budget bill. It will allow legislators to wrap up their work and go home today. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINK: Senate Bill 410
Senator Baucus Announcement
aired April 23, 2013
Senator Max Baucus says while he plans to leave the U-S Senate when his term ends at the end of next year, he says he’s not “retiring.” As Jackie Yamanaka reports from Helena, the Democrat says he’s just moving on to other projects and returning home.
DEQ Director Confirmed
aired April 23, 2013
The Montana Senate confirmed Tracy Stone-Manning as director of the Department of Environmental Quality. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, opponents blasted her past environmental activism while supporters say Stone-Manning has proven she’s can collaborate and mediate difficult natural resource issues.
Budget Talks
aired April 23, 2013
Representatives of the Bullock Administration and Legislative leaders sat down last evening to talk about how to work out differences between several key pieces of legislation. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Tax Simplification
aired April 22 2013
A House-Senate Conference Committee began its work on a tax simplification bill this afternoon by stripping the House changes to Senate Bill 282. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, the action was taken to make the bill more revenue neutral.
Budget Bills Coming Together
aired April 19, 2013
More pieces of the budget puzzle are starting to fall into place, perhaps moving lawmakers closer to wrapping up the 2013 Montana Legislative session. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, Representatives today approved of the Senate’s amendments to the state employee pay plan and the long- range building program, which includes 2 projects for higher education.
LINKS: House Bill 2, House Bill 5, House Bill 13
House Bill 2
aired April 18, 2013
A bi-partisan House accepted the Senate’s amendments for a series of appropriations bills. This includes the state’s main budget proposal--House Bill 2. As Jackie Yamanaka reports the next step for House Bill 2 is the governor’s desk.
House Committee Rejects Medicaid Expansion
aired April 17, 2013
After about 20 minutes of discussion, the House Human Services Committee rejected a Medicaid Expansion bill on a party line vote. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINK: Senate Bill 395
School Funding Approved in House
aired April 17, 2013
The House gave final approval to the major school funding vehicle at the Montana Legislature. On a 58-to-41 vote, Senate Bill 175 now returns to the Senate because of changes made in the House. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Senate Tempers Flare Over House Bill 623
aired April 17, 2013
Tempers flared on the Senate floor late yesterday over a bill that would basically have Montana to seek a federal waiver to use the money that otherwise would be spent on Medicaid expansion to instead help low-income Montanans purchase private insurance. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINK: House Bill 623, second reading vote on the Senate floor
House Bill 2: Senate Floor Grand Deal
aired April 15, 2013
The Senate restored federal funding for family planning and cancer screenings for low-income women. Approval came in exchange for the elimination of 500 currently vacant state jobs. The action came during debate on the state’s main budget measure: House Bill 2. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol, on the cross-over votes to pass both of those amendments and then the bill.
LINKS: Senate Floor second reading vote on HB 2, Senate Floor vote on Priest (R-Red Lodge) amendment on Title X and restrictive language, Senate Floor vote on Wanzenried (D-Missoula) amendment on Title X, Senate Floor vote on Sesso (D-Butte) amendment on Title X, Senate Floor vote on Jones (R-Conrad) amendment on cut jobs currently vacant
Pay Plan Passes
aired April 15, 2013
The Senate Finance and Claims committee approved a pay plan package for state employees. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, the committee made changes to the bill, but the lump sum dollar amounts remain the same as the House-passed version of the bill.
LINK: House Bill 13
Campaign Disclosure
aired April 12, 2013
A bill to require a disclaimer on election materials funded by anonymous contributions raised the ire of some Senators. It came during debate on House Bill 254. Supporters say it’s time to shine the light on what has come to be known as “dark money.” But opponents say this is just a bad bill. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Aquatic Invasives
aired April 12, 2013
Two fiscally conservative senators spoke about the need to spending state dollars to aggressively stomp down on aquatic invasive species. House Bill 586 would also authorize the use of quarantines and check stations of equipment in an attempt to keep aquatic invasive species from spreading across Montana. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Income Tax Relief
aired April 10, 2013
A Bozeman state senator wants to provide permanent income tax reduction, but he says the best he can do is a one-time relief bill. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the House Taxation hearing on Senate Bill 394 was a philosophical discussion on how to dole out tax relief.
House Preliminary Approval for Senate Bill 107
aired April 9, 2013
The House gave preliminary approval to a bill that would repeal an obsolete state law that criminalizes gay sex. Today’s 64-to-36 vote came one day after the chamber removed Senate Bill 107 from the House Judiciary Committee and brought it to the House Floor for debate. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Long Range Building Projects
aired April 9, 2013
A Senate committee is considering a bill to pay cash for a number of deferred maintenance projects, as well as several building projects for the Montana university system. The latter were once part of what was known as the “bonding bill.” The House, however, removed those projects from House Bill 14 and put them into a different measure – House Bill 5. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
School Funding
aired April 9, 2013
Officials from Montana schools—small, large, urban and rural—along with the business community say Senate Bill 175 will provide needed funding and accountability measures. Opponents criticized the bill for a reference to a common core curriculum and for not doing enough for impacted schools. Senate Bill 175 was heard before the House Education Committee late yesterday. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Senate Bill 107
aired April 8, 2013
The House will debate a bill that de-criminalizes gay sex between consenting adults. On a 60-to-38 vote, Representatives voted to take Senate Bill 107 from the table in the House Judiciary Committee and to the floor for debate tomorrow. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Senate Rejects Williams as Regent
aired April 5, 2013
On a basically 23-to-26 party-line vote, the Senate rejected former Congressman Pat Williams for the Montana Board of Regents. Supporters urged colleagues to look past Williams’ recent controversial remarks referring to “thugs” to describe some athletes at the University of Montana--and instead focus on his qualifications. But opponents said those comments reveal a lot about the nominee. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Bison Management
aired April 4, 2013
Officials would be prohibited from transferring, relocating, or transplanting Yellowstone National Park bison under a bill given preliminary approval by the Montana Senate. The sponsor of Senate Bill 143 says the state needs to take action because the federal government has failed to manage wild bison. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Senate Finance Reviews House Bill 2
aired April 3 2013
The chairman of the Senate Finance and Claims committee says the panel is looking to remove some spending from the state’s main budget bill. Senator Rick Ripley’s comments come as the Finance Committee began its review of House Bill 2 today. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Designer Drugs
aired April 3, 2013
Montana law enforcement officials have a new tool to crack down on synthetic designer drugs, like “bath salts” or “spice.” These drugs were perceived as legal because they were sold over-the-counter, including at some convenience stores. But as Jackie Yamanaka reports, law enforcement officials say these drugs were designed to give the user a high.
LINK: House Bill 140
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| Governor Stave Bullock signs House Bill 140 into law as Attorney General Tim Fox and Rep. Tom Berry (R-Roundup) [seated] look on. Photo by Jackie Yamanaka. |
MT House & Medicaid Expansion
aired April 3, 2013
The Montana House refused to bring a Medicaid expansion bill from committee and to the floor for debate. Representative Chuck Hunter was unsuccessful in getting the 60 votes needed to bring the Governor’s Access Health Montana plan to the floor. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the House instead gave preliminary approval to a health care bill with a broad title, but little substance.
LINKS: House Bill 590, House Bill 623
Tax Simplification
aired March 28, 2013
The House gave preliminary approval to a bill to eliminate most of the corporate and individual tax deductions and credits. The intent is to simplify the tax system. Some worry, however, doing that could harm middle-income Montanans. But the sponsor says it many residents will see a tax reduction because the number of tax brackets is reduced from 7-to-3. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINKS: House Bill 581, Senate Bill 282
Access Health Tabled
aired March 28, 2013
As expected, a partisan House Human Services Committee tabled the Governor’s Medicaid expansion proposal. House Bill 590 had a nearly four-hour hearing Monday, but the committee disposed of the bill late yesterday in under 15 minutes. House Democrats were then unsuccessful in their attempt to blast the bill from committee and on to the floor for debate. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Long Range Building Plan
aired March 27, 2013
The House took all of the building projects in the bonding bill and inserted them into another bill that pays for long range building projects. But Representatives rejected a move to strip money for the new Missoula College building. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINKS: House Bill 5, House Bill 14
State Employee Pay Plan
aired March 27, 2013
The Montana House gave preliminary approval to a bill that would give state employees a pay raise--but it’s not the across the board raise that was negotiated between the governor and the unions. As amended, House Bill 13 instead appropriates a lump sum of nearly 114-million dollars. It will be up to the executive branch and the unions to figure out how to divvy up the money. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the bill’s intent is focused on those who’ve had their pay frozen over the past five years.
Increased K-12 Enrollment
aired March 26 2013
Nearly 30 public schools across Montana had an unusual increase in enrollment. The school population was updated with the spring count. Because of the growth, lawmakers are being asked to add an additional one-million dollars to the supplemental budget request for the Office of Public Instruction. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, the enrollment growth was across the state, not just the Bakken affected counties.
LINK: FY2013 Unanticipated Enrollment Increases Above 6%
Local Government Infrastructure
aired March 26 2013
Lawmakers are working to get money to local governments to fix bridges and inadequate water and wastewater systems. There’s another broader bill that would also take into account some of the social impacts of the Bakken oil boom while also addressing infrastructure needs in Eastern Montana. Jackie Yamanaka has more on where the money will come from.
LINKS: House Bill 11, House Bill 218
Medicaid Expansion
aired March 26 2013
An overflow crowd packed into one of the larger committee hearing rooms late yesterday afternoon at the State Capitol. They were there to speak on the Bullock Administration’s proposal to offer health insurance coverage to up to 70-thousand additional Montanans. House Bill 590 seeks to expand Medicaid coverage. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINKS: House Bill 604, House Bill 590
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| Governor Steve Bullock addressing a rally in support of Medicaid Expansion at the Capitol. Photo by Jackie Yamanaka. |
Medicaid Expansion
aired March 25, 2013
Medicaid expansion was one of the top topics of discussion at the Montana Legislature today. Backers of expansion held a rally at the Capitol before the hearing on the Bulllock Administration’s plan to expand the Medicaid program. In the meantime, the House also gave preliminary approval to a Republican bill to create a select committee to study Medicaid. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, backers of Medicaid expansion charged those who want to study the issue are just trying to delay and deny health care to Montanans.
LINKS: House Bill 604, House Bill 590
Supplemental Appropriation
aired March 21 2013
A Senate Committee is considering a bill that would pay for last year’s wildfire season and the fallout from then-Governor Brian Schweitzer’s veto of a bill that provided money for public education. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol on the supplemental appropriations bill.
LINK: House Bill 3
Regent Appointments Confirmation
aired March 21, 2013
The Senate Education Committee is considering whether to confirm three appointments to the Montana Board of Regents. The appointments were made by former Governor Brian Schweitzer, but they need to be confirmed by the Montana Legislature. Named are: Bozeman city council member Jeffrey Krauss, former Montana congressman Pat Williams, and student regent Joe Thiel. Jackie Yamanaka filed this report about the candidates and the hearing that mostly focused on Williams and his recent comments in the New York Times.
Roadkill Salvage
aired March 20, 2013
A bill to allow people to keep some animals struck and accidentally killed by a vehicle is one step closer to becoming law. While nationally, the jokes have been flying about turning road kill into dinner, supporters say it’s a shame to waste food when others are going hungry. 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.
LINK: House Bill 247
House Bill 2 Passes House Unanimously
aired March 19, 2013
Unprecedented. Historic. Those are just a few of the words being used to describe the way the Montana House handled and passed the state’s main budget bill this morning. House Bill 2 passed unanimously and un-amended from how it emerged from the House Appropriations Committee. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol on how this happened.
House Bill 2 Passes House Unanimously (First Report)
aired March 19, 2013
Unprecedented. Historic. Those are just a few of the words being used to describe the House of Representative’s action on the state’s main budget bill this morning. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, House Bill 2 passed on a 100-to-zero vote with no amendments.
Megaloads MEPA Exemption
aired March 19, 2013
A state representative from Miles City wants to exempt oversize vehicles from having to undergo a review under the Montana Environmental Policy Act. But opponents say these megaloads could pose a threat to public safety, the environment, and cultural resources. 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.
LINKS: House Bill 513, 32-J Oversize Load Permit Application and Materials, MDT's Commercial Motor Carriers website
Tax Rate for New Electric Generation Facilities
aired March 18, 2013
A Senate bill to give new electric generation facilities a tax break won approval in the House Taxation Committee.
Some Representatives object, however, because Senate Bill 138 would give even new coal power generation plants the same tax rate as wind generation facilities. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINK: Senate Bill 138
DUI: THC & Repeat Offenders
aired March 15, 2013
The Senate is considering whether to provide for a legal limit for the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana to Montana’s DUI laws. In the meantime, Senators are also considering a revision to current DUI laws that seeks to crack down on the number of repeat offenders. Both House bills were the subject of hearings today in the Senate Judiciary Committee. 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.
LINKS: House Bill 168, House Bill 355
House Bill 13 Blast Fails
aired March 15 2013
An Anaconda Democrat was unsuccessful in her attempt to blast the state employee pay plan from committee to the House floor for debate. The blast motion on House Bill 13 failed on a mostly party line 41-to-55 vote. The action came after the Republican-controlled House Appropriations Committee rejected the state pay plan on a mostly party line vote. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Social Media Privacy
aired March 14, 2013
Should employers be allowed to demand username and password information from employees or job applicants for sites like gmail or Facebook? That’s the question before lawmakers. A bill seeks to prohibit employers from requesting that information. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINK: Senate Bill 195
Pay Plan Fails
aired March 14 2013
With little debate, the Republican-controlled House Appropriations Committee rejected the state employee pay plan. Republican Representative Steve Gibson joined all Democrats on the committee in voting for the plan. But House Bill 13 failed on a mostly party line 9-to-12 vote. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, even with today’s committee action, the bill isn’t dead.
LINK: House Bill 13
Simplify TIF Districts
aired March 13, 2013
A Senator from Great Falls wants to simplify an existing economic development tool local governments use to encourage new business start-ups or expansions. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the sponsor also hopes this change will allow smaller Montana cities and counties to take advantage of Tax Increment Financing districts, or TIFs.
LINK: Senate Bill 239
Bonding Bill
aired March 13, 2013
The Bullock Administration wants to include infrastructure investments for Eastern Montana in a bill that already proposes nearly 100-million dollars in bonds for state buildings. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINK: House Bill 14
Governor Reacts to House Bill 2
aired March 12, 2013
Governor Steve Bullock says the budget bill passed out of the House Appropriations Committee last night needs more work. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, Bullock says he wouldn’t sign House Bill 2 in its current form.
House Appropriations Committee Passes House Bill 2
aired March 12, 2013
Republicans on the House Appropriations Committee had the sole responsibility to pass the state’s main budget bill. Democrats refused to support House Bill 2 for a variety of reasons. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the most often cited reason was the refusal to reinstate federal money for family planning and cancer screenings for women.
Family Planning/Indian Education For All
aired March 11, 2013
The Republican-controlled House Appropriations Committee rejected an attempt to reinstate federal family planning dollars in the state’s main budget bill. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, this was just one of the votes taken during Executive Action today on House Bill 2.
CDL Examiners
aired March 11 2013
Montana Department of Justice officials are asking lawmakers to reconsider decisions to cut the number of examiners for commercial drivers’ licenses. Lawmakers also didn’t fully fund a request for more Montana Highway Patrol Officers to serve Eastern 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.
University System & House Bill 2
aired March 8, 2013
The two community college presidents in Eastern Montana are asking lawmakers to support their request for a one-time injection of cash. The money is to help them meet the needs of industry because of the Bakken oil boom and pending development of the Otter Creek Coal Tracts. The request came during the House Appropriations Committee hearing on the university system budget. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
DPHHS and Broadband Pay Concerns
aired March 7, 2013
Lawmakers are being asked to restore some funding to the state’s largest agency – the Department of Public Health and Human Services. The House Appropriations Committee is reviewing the state’s main budget bill for the coming two years. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, during the review some lawmakers are questioning past agency actions that gave some employees a pay raise.
Title X & House Bill 2
aired March 7, 2013
Democrats challenged the Republican chairman of one of the joint Appropriations subcommittees to defend the decision to cut federal family planning funds from the budget. Federal Title X funding goes to just over two dozen locations across Montana. Those clinics provide contraception, breast and cervical cancer screenings, and other primary health services primarily to low-income women. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, there’s controversy because some of the providers also offer abortions.
House Bill 2: GOP Budget
aired March 6 2013
Legislative staff report the Republican-crafted budget proposal exceeds the Democratic governor’s budget just shy of 1-percentage point. The full House Appropriations began work today on the state’s main budget bill, House Bill 2. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, the close budget gap between the two budges brought praise from the governor’s budget director.
LINKS:
Agencies by Section All Funds Comparison to FY 2012 Base, Sections All Funds Comparision to Executive (from the MT Legislative Fiscal Division)
Eliminate Oil & Gas Tax Holiday
aired March 5, 2013
A Helena lawmaker wants to help communities affected by the Bakken oil boom with their roads, water and sewer systems, and other services like police and fire. But at least one opponent said life in Sidney isn’t bad. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINKS: MT Oil Rig Counts (charts prepared by MT Leg. Fiscal Division), Comparison of Montana and North Dakota Oil and Gas Production Taxes (prepared by MT Dept. of Revenue)
Transmittal Break
aired February 28, 2013
When the House adjourned this morning, lawmakers reached the official half-way point of the scheduled 90-day legislative session. The Senate left the Capitol yesterday. They are now on their transmittal break. It marks the deadline for general bills to pass through either the House or Senate. Those that don’t meet that threshold are dead for this session. When lawmakers return late Monday afternoon, the spotlight shifts to taxes and spending. Jackie Yamanaka talked to legislative leaders and the governor to get their assessment of the work accomplished so far.
Access Health MT Plan
aired February 27, 2013
Governor Steve Bullock says it’s time to put politics aside and provide health insurance to tens of thousands of Montanans. The Democrat today says he’s joining governors from across the country in supporting Medicaid Expansion. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Work Comp Surplus
aired February 27, 2013
The Senate gave preliminary approval to a bill that would require the State Fund to use its surplus to pay down its old debt. That’s despite warnings from opponents that the action is illegal. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINK: Senate Bill 173
Eminent Domain Rollback
aired February 26, 2013
The Montana Senate gave preliminary approval to a bill supporters call a “do-over” on eminent domain. The bill’s sponsor says lawmakers should place limits on the seizing of public property for economic development. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINK: Senate Bill 180
Bison Bills
aired February 26, 2013
The Montana Senate gave preliminary approval to a pair of bills aimed at the management of wild bison. One bill defines what is a “wild bison.” The second measure makes the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks liable for any damage to private property from wild bison. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINKS: Senate Bill 256, Senate Bill 305
Citizens United
aired February 25, 2013
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a resolution that tells Montana’s Congressional delegation the legislature agrees with the voters that corporations are not human beings with constitutional rights. The action comes following voter approval last fall of Initiative-166. That ballot measure was the result of the U-S Supreme Court’s Citizen United ruling that freed corporations to spend unlimited money on elections. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINK: Senate Joint Resolution 19
Tax Simplification
aired February 21, 2013
A state Senator from Kalispell wants to simplify Montana’s income tax system by repealing many of the tax credits. Senator Bruce Tutvedt says doing that will also allow all of the tax rates to come down. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINK: Senate Bill 282
Montanans First Bill
aired February 20, 2013
Governor Steve Bullock calls on lawmakers to support a bill that he says strengthens a law that requires projects funded by tax dollars to hire Montanans first. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINK: House Bill 490
Pollution Control Equipment Taxes
aired February 20, 2013
Lawmakers are considering two bills that affect how pollution control equipment is taxed in Montana. Representative Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINKS: House Bill 408, Senate Bill 240
No Fuel Tax Increase
aired February 19, 2013
Montana lawmakers killed a bill that sought to raise the gas tax to fund road repair and maintenance, as well as public transportation. 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.
LINK: House Bill 316
Income Taxes for Married Couples
aired February 19, 2013
A legislator from Great Falls says Montana’s income tax system has a reputation for being horrible to fill out. Representative Brian Hoven says it’s complicated because of how it handles married couples. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINK: House Bill 393
Medicaid Expansion
aired February 15 2013
Democrats at the Montana Legislature unveiled their bill today to implement Medicaid Expansion. It’s one of the bills expected to be introduced on this issue. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINK: House Bill 458
Insure MT: Governor's Proposal
aired February 15, 2013
The Bullock Administration offered a proposal to provide a one-time infusion of cash to help a popular small business health insurance program. The Schweitzer Administration removed funding for Insure Montana in its budget proposal. Initially, the Bullock Administration did NOT restore that money. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, the governor’s budget director today provided lawmakers a proposal to keep the program operating, at least through 2014.
Insure MT
aired February 12, 2013
Lawmakers are considering a bill to make changes to a program that helps small business owners provide health insurance for their employees. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, House Bill 48 could allow more people to be enrolled under Insure Montana.
LINK: House Bill 48
Personal Information Privacy
aired February 12, 2013
A Billings legislator says people should know if businesses are collecting data about them--and if those companies are selling that information to others.As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the bill seeks to add new language to Montana law that addresses the privacy of personal information.
LINK: House Bill 400
School Choice Bills
aired February 11, 2013
On largely party line votes, the Republican-controlled House gave preliminary approval to three bills that seek to provide incentives to parents who want to send their child to a private school. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINKS: House Bill 213, House Bill 288, House Bill 315
State of the State and Republican Response
aired January 31, 2013
Newly-elected Governor Steve Bullock delivered his first State of the State address to Montana lawmakers. As Montana Public Radio Capitol Reporter Dan Boyce and YPR News Director Jackie Yamanaka report, the speech was mostly well-received on both sides of the aisle, with some notable exceptions.
State of the State Address and Republican Response
aired January 30 2013
Governor Steve Bullock (D-MT): State of the State
Rep. Austin Knudsen (R-Culbertson): Republican Response
On January 30, 2013, Governor Steve Bullock delivered his first State of the State address to a joint session of the 63rd Montana Legislature. The Republican response was delivered by Representative Austin Knudsen of Culbertson.
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| Governor Steve Bullock delivers his first State of the State Address. photo by Jackie Yamanaka. |
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| Representative Austin Knudsen delivers the Republican response. photo by Jackie Yamanaka. |
Education Funding: Senate Bill 175
aired January 31, 2013
A broad coalition of public school groups is united behind a school funding bill that would use oil and gas money to deliver more money to schools and cut property taxes. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
LINK: Senate Bill 175
DUI and Marijuana/THC
aired January 29, 2013
The Montana House gave preliminary approval to a bill that would revise the state’s DUI law. It would create a new legal limit for THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, to be in a person’s blood while 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.
LINK: House Bill 168
Insure MT
aired January 29, 2013
Small business owners are calling on legislators to restore funding to a program that helps them provide health insurance to their employees. Insure Montana helps businesses with two to nine employees. It helps businesses with either a tax credit or a purchasing pool. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the governor’s budget eliminated funding for the program; business leaders are asking lawmakers to put the money back.
LINKS: State Insurance Commissioer's website on Insure MT, Governor's Budget Proposal for the State Auditor, Legislative Fiscal Division's brochure on Insure MT
Rep. Steve Daines Addresses Joint Session of MT Legislature
Rep. Daines' Complete Address
On January 28, 2013, Congressman Steve Daines (R-MT) addressed a joint Session of the Montana Legislature.
DUI Orange License Plates
aired January 25, 2013
A legislator from Missoula wants to require those convicted of a driving under the influence have a bright orange license plates on their vehicle that contain the letters “D-U-I.” As Jackie Yamanaka reports, Representative Champ Edmunds hopes shame will cut down on the number of DUI’s in 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. http://transportationnation.org
LINK: House Bill 276
No Insurance, No License Plates
aired January 25, 2013
A state Senator from Great Falls wants uninsured motorists to surrender the license plates from their vehicles. 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. http://transportationnation.org
LINK: Senate Bill 6
Governing Decisions For Park Districts
aired January 24, 2013
Lawmakers are being asked to revise a state law that gives local governments the authority to create special park districts. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, debate on the bill focused on the larger issue who should make local decisions: the Legislature, local governments, or the people.
LINKS: House Bill 185, Draft Bill LC 946
State Employee Pay Plan
aired January 24, 2013
Public employees, agency officials, and representatives of the private sector spoke in favor of giving state employees a pay raise. House Bill 13 calls for a 5-percent increase in base pay for the coming two years. State employees have not received an across-the-board pay increase over the past 5-years. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, state employees talked about how the wage freeze has impacted them and their work.
State of the MT Judiciary
Raw Audio: State of the Judiciary
Remarks delivered by Chief Justice of the MT Supreme Court Mike McGrath
LINK: Montana Supreme Court
Green Energy Tax Incentives
aired January 23, 2013
The Senate Taxation Committee is considering a bill to extend a tax incentive to encourage development of “green” energy to all new power plants, regardless of the type of fuel used. Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
LINK: Senate Bill 138
School Bus Safety
aired January 22, 2013
Montana lawmakers gave preliminary approval to a bill aimed at protecting children getting on-and-off school buses from being hit by motorists. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the bill seeks to change state law to increase the distance a motor vehicle has to stop. 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. http://transportationnation.org
LINK: House Bill 155
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| Rep. David "Doc" Moore, R-Missoula, sponsor of HB 155. Photo by Jackie Yamanaka |
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| Rep. Kristin Hansen, R-Havre, and Chair of the House Education Committee, posing with her school bus after the vote. Photo by Jackie Yamanaka |
MT University System Budget Presentation
aired January 22, 2013
Higher education officials say a two-year freeze on tuition is their top priority. They are looking to the Montana Legislature to help them meet that goal. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, higher education is presenting its programs this week to the Joint Appropriations Subcommittee on Education.
Illegal Immigrants Sanctuary Policies
aired January 21, 2013
The Montana House gave preliminary approval to a bill that would prohibit cities from establishing policies that forbid enforcement of illegal immigration laws. The sponsor of the bill says House Bill 50 ensures cities will obey and enforce federal law. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
THC and DUI
aired January 17, 2013
Lawmakers are considering a bill that would revise Montana’s DUI laws to take into account drivers impaired by marijuana. House Bill 168 seeks to create a legal limit for the amount of an active ingredient in marijuana allowed to be present in a person’s blood while operating a motor vehicle. It’s a standard that exists for another substance, alcohol. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Vehicle Insurance Verification System
aired January 16, 2013
Lawmakers are being asked to adjust the law that requires motorists to have proof of insurance when they register a motor vehicle. Counties began using an on-line verification system this month. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, during the testing phase, county and state officials discovered some tweaks were needed. 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. http://transportationnation.org
LINK: Senate Bill 99
TSEP/RRGL Infrastructure Grants
aired January 15 2013
Dozens of Montana communities are asking for state money to help them with their failing bridges, water and sewer systems. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, lawmakers face more requests than dollars to hand out.
LINKS: Governor's Long-Range Building Program, Treasure State Endowment
Medicaid Expansion Report
aired January 14, 2013
Montana lawmakers are weighing the pros and cons of expanding Medicaid. Under the Federal Affordable Care Act, states can expand Medicaid to provide health insurance to those who earn up to 138-percent of the federal poverty level. For a single-person that’s just over 15-thousand dollars a year. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, a joint subcommittee heard presentations today on what an expansion means for Montana.
Redistricting & Reapportionment
aired January 11, 2013
The Montana Legislature will now have its say on how legislative districts are drawn in the state. The chairman of the Districting and Apportionment Committee presented the panel’s plan to a joint session of the Montana Legislature today. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol.
Enhanced Oil Recovery
aired January 11, 2013
A Texas-based company is ready to recover oil from the Bell Creek field… using carbon dioxide. Bell Creek is in the southeastern part of the state near the Montana-Wyoming border. Oil was discovered in Bell Creek in 1967. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, legislators were told Enhanced Oil Recovery technology will revive that field.
Youth Vandalism Fines
aired January 10, 2013
Lawmakers are considering a bill to increase the amount of money that can be recovered from a parent when their child is convicted of vandalizing property. The sponsor of House Bill 42 says the update will bring the law up-to-date. Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
Bullock/Essman Working Together
aired January 9, 2013
Olive branches have been extended between the Executive and Legislative branches of government in the early days of the 2013 Legislative Session. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the governor says while there are early calls to focus on policy rather than personalities or partisanship, there will be disagreements during the session.
Legal Review Changes
aired January 8, 2012
Legislators will receive a new form if they’re advised by their staff attorneys that their bill draft may be unconstitutional. Many lawmakers attended a training session today about the law and the process of lawmaking. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the legislature’s chief legal counsel talked about a new form to let lawmakers know when their bills don’t conform may be unconstitutional.
MT Legislature Opens
aired January 7, 2013
Montana lawmakers pledged to focus on policy rather than personality and partisanship during the 2013 Legislative session. Lawmakers and top statewide elected officials were sworn in today. Republicans control both the House and Senate. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Capitol on the opening remarks from the Legislative leadership.
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| Chief Justice Mike McGrath swears in Governor-Elect Steve Bullock on the steps of the MT Capitol. Photo by Jackie Yamanaka |
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| Gov. Steve Bullock delivers his first address as governor. Photo by Jackie Yamanaka |
MT Insurance Verification
aired December 26, 2012
In a few days, the Montana Motor Vehicle Division and county treasurers will be able to instantly verify whether a motorist has vehicle liability insurance during titling and registration. This instant verification was rolled out to Montana law enforcement officers in the field this year. 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. http://transportationnation.org
DOCUMENT (in.pdf format): Senate Bill 508, the law creating the instant vehicle liability insurance verification from the 2009 Montana Legislature
LINKS: Montana Code Annotated (MCA) on the online motor vehicle insurance verification system, MCA on Motor Vehicle Liability
Municipal Treatment Court Graduation
aired December 19, 2012
Two of the latest participants of the Billings Municipal Drug Treatment Court graduated today from the program. The treatment court is aimed at helping those who have gotten into trouble with the law and have an underlying alcohol or drug addiction get their lives back on track. Jackie Yamanaka spent the past month with the Drug Treatment Court team… attending their weekly meetings and court sessions 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. http://transportationnation.org
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| Billings Municipal Court Judge Sheila Kolar congratulating a graduate of her Drug Treatment Court. Photo by Jackie Yamanaka. |
New Tongue River Railroad Route
aired December 18, 2012
A rancher affected by the new preferred route for the Tongue River Railroad project wants the federal government to hold new public hearings. BNSF filed its new route yesterday with the Surface Transportation Board. 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. http://transportationnation.org
LINKS: Surface Transportation Board, Tongue River Railroad EIS
DOCUMENTS (in .pdf format): Tongue River Railroad Supplemental Application/Docket, Colstrip Alternative Map
Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D-MT) Interview
Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D-MT) Interview
aired December 17 2012
YPR News Director Jackie Yamanaka interviews Governor Brian Schweitzer as his term draws to a close. This wide-ranging interview was recorded in the Governor's office on December 11, less than a month before Governor-elect Steve Bullock is sworn in and takes the job Schweitzer has held for the last eight years.
Veterans Transportation
aired December 7, 2012
Veterans in rural states like Montana and Wyoming may soon have more reliable transportation to their medical appointments. That is if a provision in the defense authorization bill is approved and signed by the President. 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. http://transportationnation.org
Drivers & Emergency Vehicles
aired December 7, 2012
When a driver sees a police car, ambulance, or a tow truck with flashing lights parked on the side of the road, that driver is required by law to move over or slow down. Apparently, many drivers are unaware of this law, according to the Billings Police Department. 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. http://transportationnation.org
MT Governor Preliminary Results
aired November 7 2012
Unofficial returns show Democrat Steve Bullock is the winner of Montana's open gubernatorial seat. Unofficial returns show Bullock winning by a 49 to 47 percent margin. The Associated Press declared a winner around 1:30pm this afternoon. The delay was caused after results from the state's most populous counties trickled in overnight and throughout the morning, Bullock spoke to supporters this afternoon. Jackie Yamanaka listened in via telephone and filed this report.
Tester Victory Speech
aired November 7, 2012
Senator Tester's Entire Speech
Unofficial returns show Montana Senator Jon Tester winning re-election over his Republican challenger, Congressman Denny Rehberg. Tester spoke to supporters this morning in Great Falls. Jackie Yamanaka was able to listen via telephone and has this report.
Sandy Welch (R), OPI Candidate
aired November 2, 2012
Sandy Welch Full Interview
The Republican candidate for state school superintendent praises Montana's public education system, but she says there's still work to do. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, Sandy Welch says there are many ways to accelerate student achievement.
Sen. Baucus (D-MT): Sugar and Farm Bill
aired November 1, 2012
Senator Max Baucus spent today (yesterday) working at the Western Sugar Cooperative Refinery and Warehouse in Billings. This “work day” was to learn more about the domestic sugar industry and talk to those directly affected by the stalled Farm Bill in Congress. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
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| Senator Max Baucus shoveling sugar beets into the conveyer belt at the Western Sugar Cooperative in Billings during his Work Day on November 1, 2012. Photos by Jackie Yamanaka. |
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University of Montana Visit
aired October 31, 2012
University of Montana officials were in Billings this week to talk about the Missoula campus, higher education in general, and to listen to Billings-area residents. UM President Royce Engstrom visited with Jackie Yamanaka about a number of issues facing the university.
MTN Governor Debate
aired October 29, 2012
The candidates seeking Montana's open seat for governor clashed over a sales tax, public education, and the Otter Creek coal tracts during a televised debate from the Riverside Country Club. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from Bozeman, this final gubernatorial debate was aggressive and at times tense.
Pam Bucy (D), Candidate for MT Attorney General
aired October 26, 2012
Pam Bucy Full Interview
The Democratic candidate for state attorney general says her opponent's focus on a federal health care law has overshadowed the principal role of the state's top law enforcement office. Pam Bucy this week stopped by the YPR studios to talk to Jackie Yamanaka about the issue.
City College Ceremony
aired October 25, 2012
It’s official. The new signs--City College at MSU-Billings--were unveiled at a public ceremony yesterday. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the event featured Governor Brian Schweitzer, who kicked off the re-branding of a two-year campus in Billings with a branding.
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| Welding Instructor Trevor Brown shows the City College "brand" |
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| Governor Brian Schweitzer helping "unveil" the new City College sign at a campus entrance on Central Avenue in Billings |
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| Governor Brian Schweitzer speaking at the City College rebranding/renaming celebration |
Gov. Schweitzer Campaigns for Candidates in Billings
aired October 25, 2012
While Governor Brian Schweitzer was in Billings yesterday, he also campaigned on behalf of some Democratic candidates. This includes for governor, state attorney general, and the legislature. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
 |
| Governor Brian Schweitzer (right), Jag (center), and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Steve Bullock (left) talking with students at MSU-Billings about higher education and other issues. |
Denise Juneau Candidate OPI
aired October 24, 2012
Denise Juneau Full Interview
State School Superintendent Denise Juneau says at the minimum, Montana students need a high school diploma before they head out into the workforce. During the 2011 Montana Legislature, she was behind a failed measure to raise the age before a student could drop out of school. As she told Jackie Yamanaka. if re-elected, she plans to bring the issue back before the 2013 Legislative session.
City College
aired October 23, 2012
The campus formerly known as the MSU Billings College of Technology is officially re-named City College tomorrow during a public unveiling ceremony. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, higher education officials say this is more than a name change.
Bozeman U.S. Senate Debate
aired October 22, 2012
The two candidates for the U.S. Senate revisited the issues they've been verbally sparring over for months at their last debate Saturday night. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from Bozeman, most of the sparks flew over disagreements over health care.
24/7 One Year Anniversary
aired October 18, 2012
Just over a year ago, the 24/7 Sobriety Program became law in Montana. The 2011 MT Legislature passed it as part of an effort to get tough on drunk driving. Yellowstone County was one of the first counties to roll out the program. The Yellowstone County Sheriff's office briefed State Attorney General Steve Bullock this afternoon on the results from the first year. Jackie Yamanaka has more.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. http://transportationnation.org
BNSF Outlook
aired October 18, 2012
The new owners of the proposed Tongue River Railroad have filed an application with the federal government to build the 83-mile line. The application to the Surface Transportation Board comes after a federal court said last December that prior approvals for the long-stalled railroad were outdated. The line is owned by Arch Coal, billionaire Forrest Mars, Jr., and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company. BNSF's Chairman and CEO was in Billings yesterday. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, Matthew Rose talked about Otter Creek and other issues. 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. http://transportationnation.org
Kalispell U.S. Senate Debate
aired October 15, 2012
The three-candidates for the U-S Senate laid out different visions for Montana during a debate last night at Flathead Valley Community College. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from Kalispell, the candidates debated familiar topics and occasionally used humor to drive home their points.
MSU Billings Poll, Day 2
aired October 11, 2012
Incumbent Democrat Jon Tester and Republican Congressman Denny Rehberg remain in a statistical dead-heat in the race for the U-S Senate. The high-stakes race is attracting millions of dollars in outside money to persuade Montanans as the GOP is trying to wrest away control of the U-S Senate. Jackie Yamanaka has more on the latest public opinion polling numbers.
DOCUMENT (in .pdf format): October 2012 MSU Billings Poll, Day 2
MSU Billings Poll, Day 1
aired October 10, 2012
Montanans have their mind firmly made up when it comes to their pick for President, but a large number say they are largely undecidedwhen it comes to the state’s open seats for the U.S. House and governor. That’s the finding of the latest MSU-Billings Poll. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
DOCUMENT (in .pdf format): October 2012 MSU Billings Poll, Day 1
Billings Governor Debate
aired October 10, 2012
Montana's candidates for governor expressed differing views on unions abortions, and marijuana in a polite debate in Billings last night. State Attorney General Steve Bullock and former Congresman Rick Hill are vying for the open governor's seat. Term limits prevent Governor Brian Schweitzer from seeking a third term. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
MT Gubernatorial Debate
aired October 9, 2012
MT Gubernatorial Debate
October 9 debate from Petro Theatre on the campus of MSU Billings between Attorney General Steve Bullock (D) and former Congressman Rick Hill (R).
Congressman Denny Rehberg (R-MT) Interview
aired October 9, 2012
Congressman Denny Rehberg Interview
Congressman Denny Rehberg came by the YPR studios late last week to talk about some of the issues facing Montana in this Fall's contest for the U.S. Senate.
Congressman Rehberg (R-MT) Bus Tour
aired October 9, 2012
Fresh off of last night’s debate, Congressman Denny Rehberg today launched a campaign bus tour around Montana. The Republican says among the stops the first day: Miles City and Glendive. The bus will eventually end up in Kalispell for the next scheduled U-S Senate debate. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
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| A photo of the campaign bus before it left Billings for a swing to Eastern Montana |
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| Congressman and Republican U-S Senate Candidate Denny Rehberg addressing supporters before leaving for the bus tour |
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| a closeup of the front of the bus |
Billings U.S. Senate Debate
aired October 9, 2010
Two fiesty candidates for Montana's U.S. Senate seat faced-off at their second debate in front of a packed house in Billings last night. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, Senator Jon Tester and Congressman Denny Rehberg verbally sparred over issues that are also a mainstay of their commercials.
U.S. Senate Debate
aired October 8, 2012
U.S. Senate Debate
October 8 debate from Petro Theatre on the campus of MSU Billings between Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Congressman Denny Rehberg (R-MT).
Kim Gillan Interview
aired October 3, 2012
Kim Gillan Interview
Montana has an open seat for the U-S House this year and 3 candidates are vying to fill that position. One is Democrat Kim Gillan. She stopped by the YPR studios in Billings to talk about a few of the issues facing thestate, including budgets, taxes, job creation, and health care. Gillan faces Republican Steve Daines and Libertarian David Kaiser on the general election ballot.
U.S. House Debate at MSU Billings
aired October 3, 2012
The two U.S. House candidates had the chance to talk about what they think the role of the federal government should be on a variety of issues during their debate last night in Billings. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, this includes the enivronment and hydraulic fracturing.
U.S. House Debate
aired October 2, 2012
U.S. House Debate
October 2 debate from Petro Theatre on the campus of MSU Billings between Steve Daines (R) and Kim Gillan (D), candidates for Montana's lone House seat.
Road Mitigation in Grand Teton National Park
aired September 26, 2012
Grand Teton National Park officials installed a new set of pipes through a beaver dam in an effort to prevent the Moose-Wilson road from flooding. It’s the second time in recent weeks that park officials have tried to mitigate the effects from the sizeable dam and lodge the beavers have built. 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. http://transportationnation.org
DOCUMENT (in .pdf format): Beaver Flyer posted at the mitigation site
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| photo by Sue Consolo-Murphy of Grand Teton National Park. This photo was taken the morning after crews finished the mitigation work. |
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| photo by Jackie Skaggs of Grand Teton National Park. Photo of the beaver dam in the foreground with the wire cage in the middle of the pond that is protecting the pipe intake. |
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| photo by Jackie Skaggs of Grand Teton National Park. crews using heavy machinery to lift the bundle of pipes, in the background, to the beaver dam and lodge. |
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| A close-up of the beaver family taken before Monday's mitigation work. © 2012 Jackie Gilmore, all rights reserved |
Disaster Drill
aired September 25, 2012
Emergency responders and others from across the Billings-area will take part in a disaster response exercise tomorrow. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, this exercise is to test emergency plans in place to alert the general public.
LINKS: Ready Yellowstone, Serve Montana: Governor's Office of Community Service
Gov. Schweitzer Tuition Freeze Proposal
aired Saptember 20, 2012
Governor Brian Schweitzer is proposing another tuition freeze for resident college students. Schweitzer is prevented by term limits from seeking re-election. His administration is currently preparing its last biennial budget proposal for the upcoming 2013 Montana Legislature. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, this possible tuition freeze is contingent on lawmakers adopting Schweitzer's budget-recommended funding level for higher education.
Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) Interview
aired September 19, 2012
Sen. Tester Interview
Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) stopped by the YPR studios Monday (Sept 17, 2012) afternoon to talk with Jackie Yamanaka about some of the issues facing Montana in his bid for re-election. The conversation is unedited. Tester faces a challenge from Republican Congressman Denny Rehberg. An invitation has been extended to Rehberg. At this time, no interview has been scheduled.
Billings Bypass Approval
aired September 18, 2012
The Billings Bypass project took another step toward reality today (yesterday). A city-county transportation planning committee formally earmarked money for the project that will connect Lockwood with the Billings Heights. 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. http://transportationnation.org
LINKS: Billings ByPass website, Draft Environmental Impact Statement
New Federal Courthouse
aired September 18, 2012
The new federal courthouse in Billings officially opened to the public this week. A public open house was held last evening and the building will be formally dedicated this morning. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the General Services Administration says this nearly 80-million dollar building was finished in record time.
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| Entrance to the new Federal Courthouse in Downtown Billings. Photo by Jackie Yamanaka. |
Billings ByPass
aired September 13, 2012
About 150 people met last night at Lockwood Middle School to ask questions and comment about a plan to provide a new bridge across the Yellowstone River east of Billings and build a new access road to the Heights. 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. http://transportationnation.org
LINKS: Billings ByPass website, Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Art in Lame Deer Schools
aired September 12, 2012
Educators are using art and music education to turn-around a low-performing school in Montana. The middle school in Lame Deer is one of eight high-poverty, low-performing schools from across the country selected for the “Turnaround Arts” initiative. This two-year program was created by the White House Domestic Policy Council and the U-S Department of Education. The initiative’s director is in Lame Deer this week to check on the school’s progress. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
LINK: Turnaround: Arts for Lame Deer
Pam Bucy Eastern Montana Listening Tour
aired September 10, 2012
State attorney general candidate Pam Bucy says the boom in eastern Montana is an economic blessing for the state. The Democrat held a listening session in some of the communities affected by the Bakken oil boom. Bucy told Jackie Yamanaka while there are several challenges facing eastern Montana, the issues are not insurmountable.
Pink
Fire Trucks
aired September 6, 2012
Pink fire engines rolled into Montana this week as part of the Pink Heals
Tour. The effort started in 2007 as a way to raise awareness and help
those who are battling cancer. The tour stopped in Billings yesterday.
LINK: Pink
Fire Trucks
|
photo by Jackie Yamanaka |
|
photo by Jackie Yamanaka |
BNSF/Bakken
Oil
aired September 6, 2012
Burlington Northern Santa Fe officials say the railroad is keeping pace
with their customers' investments in crude oil loading facilities in the
Bakken. The large oil play is in western North Dakota and Eastern Montana.
MSU
Economics Policy Lectures
aired August 30, 2012
The public is invited to attend a series of free, weekly sessions to examine
the policies of the presidential candidates. The organizer says these
non-partisan sessions are intended to give people a better understanding
of the issues and what the presidential candidate’s proposals would
mean for Montanans. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
LINK: MSU
Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics
DOCUMENT (in .pdf format): Event
Schedule
MSUB
Enrollment / Campus Safety
aired August 23, 2012
Montana State University-Billings anticipates student enrollment will
be down around 5-percent this fall. Campus officials think a factor is
the booming economy in Eastern Montana and Western North Dakota. Chancellor
Rolf Groseth says prospective students are choosing to take a job in the
Bakken rather than go to college. The news came during the annual welcome
back to campus address for MSU-B faculty and staff. For those students
on campus, MSU-B officials are improving services in an effort to help
them attain a diploma. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Rosebud
Battlefield Dig
aired August 23, 2012
Researchers who spent the summer on an archeological dig at a southeastern
Montana battlefield are already making plans for next year’s field
season. For the second year, the University of Montana conducted an archeological
field school at the Rosebud Battlefield. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the
field school’s instructor would like to add tribal colleges in the
partnership.
LINK: Rosebud
Battlefield State Park
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| The Rosebud Battlefield remains largely
as it was when the battle took place in 1876. There are minimal amenities
for park visitors. Photo by Jackie Yamanaka in 2008. |
 |
| Rosebud Battlefield State Park Manager
Bob Peterson. Photo by Jackie Yamanaka in 2008. |
Gov.
Schweitzer: Billings Chamber of Commerce
aired August 21, 2012
Governor Brian Schweitzer touted the accomplishments of his administration
over the past 7-and-a-half years during a speech in Billings. Still he
says, there’s work to be done. Term limits prevents Schweitzer from
seeking a third term. The Billings Chamber of Commerce invited the Democrat
to speak at its Newsmaker Forum. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
 |
| Governor Brian Schweitzer visiting
with attendees to the Billings Chamber of Commerce Newsmaker Forum
after his speech |
Energy
Day
aired August 16, 2012
The energy industry is being highlighted in the final days of Montana
Fair in Billings. Beginning today, in and around the Heritage Building
there are numerous energy exhibits. As Jackie Yamanaka reports while the
fair is traditionally based around agriculture, the Energy Day exhibit
is taking on some of that tradition. 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. http://transportationnation.org
DOCUMENT (in .pdf format): Energy
Day Schedule
 |
| Russ Burch, District Human Resource
Manager for Nabors Well Services in Billings. Nabors is the world's
largest on-shore drilling company |
 |
| one oil service trucks on display at
Montana Fair |
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| Alan Olson of Sanjel Corporation explaining
how the "the Blender" unit mixes hydraulic fracturing fluids
and sand for use in oil drilling |
 |
| "Bonnie" and "Clyde"
are part of the Yellowstone Boys and Girls animal therapy team |
Peterbilt
Moves
aired August 15, 2012
After 50 years at a downtown Billings location, Montana Peterbilt is moving
to a new facility in Lockwood. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the dealership’s
owners held a groundbreaking today at its new location near the intersection
of Interstates 90 and 94. 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. http://transportationnation.org
 |
| The current Peterbilt location at the
corner of 3rd Ave. N and 11th Street in downtown Billings |
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| Montana Peterbilt President and co-owner
Kevin Gustainis next to the architect drawing of the new facility
at its new location in Lockwood, east of Billings |
Social
Security
aired August 15, 2012
Two advocacy groups celebrated the 77th anniversary of the Social Security
system with a rally in Bilings and they called on members of Congress
to strengthen the program. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
 |
| Montanans signing the "Faces of
Social Security" banner that was presented to members of Montana's
Congressional Delegation at the Adult Resource Alliance of Yellowstone
County. |
Passages
Culinary Program
aired August 14, 2012
The U-S Department of Labor awarded a Montana Correctional facility and
its culinary arts pre-apprenticeship program the 2012 Trailblazer and
Innovator Award. Montana Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly presented the
award to the Passages Women’s Center in Billings. Jackie Yamanaka
reports.
LINK: Alternatives,
Inc.
 |
| Kelly Jeffries, freshman in the Passages
Culinary Arts pre-apprenticeship program. She prepared this tray of
fresh focaccia sandwiches with homemade bread, homemade ricotta cheese,
tomatoes, cucumbers and pickled onions. |
Shoshone
National Forest Draft Plan
aired July 30, 2012
The Shoshone National Forest today publically released its draft forest
plan and draft Environmental Impact State. The official 90-day public
comment period on the documents begins August 4th. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
LINK: Shoshone
National Forest
DOCUMENTS (in .pdf format): Shoshone
National Forest Timeline, Forest
Plan Key Highlights, Forest
Plan Reader's Guide
 Freight
Traffic
aired July 26, 2012
The possibility of increased coal exports from the Powder River Basin
to Asia has raised concern about more rail traffic. The trains would travel
from the mines in Montana and Wyoming to proposed port terminals in Oregon
and Washington. This week, an interim Legislative Committee sent a letter
to the U-S Army Corps of Engineers about the port projects. The letter
opposes an expanded environmental review that could include an examination
of rail traffic. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, while attention is on coal,
two railroad officials say coal is just one component of the expected
increase in rail traffic. 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. http://transportationnation.org
DOCUMENTS (in .pdf format): Energy
and Telecommunications Interim Committee Letter to the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers, Western
Organization of Resource Council's report Heavy Traffic Ahead
Sidney
Airport Improvements
aired July 18, 2012
The airport in Sidney will receive a federal grant of just over 2-million
dollars for safety improvements. Senator Max Baucus announced the Federal
Aviation Administration grant award. He says it will help Sidney handle
the increased pressure because of the current oil and gas boom. 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 terminal building at the Sidney-Richand
Airport.
Photo by Jackie Yamanaka. |
Steve
Bullock: Small Business
aired July 17, 2012
Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Steve Bullock says his priority is
to help Montana-based small- and medium-sized busienesses. He kicked off
the first installment of his jobs plan at the Billings Times. Jackie Yamanaka
reports.
Property
Tax Relief for Wildfires
aired July 16, 2012
The Montana Department of Revenue says those who lost their home and other
property in this year’s wildfires may be eligible for significant
property tax relief. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
LINK: Montana
Department of Revenue
DOCUMENT (in .pdf format): USDA
Natural Resources Conservation Service Wildfire Recovery Assistance
Wildfires
& Homes
aired July 13, 2012
This year’s wildfires have already destroyed hundreds of thousands
of acres and hundreds of homes. Still, fire officials say it’s not
too late for people to take action to increase their odds of making their
homes, outbuildings, and land more defensible to wildfires. Jackie Yamanaka
reports.
LINKS: Fire Safe Montana,
Ready, Set, Go
Glendive
Welcomes Bakken Boom
aired July 11, 2012
Glendive’s elected officials and business people say the eastern
Montana community is ready for growth. Jackie Yamanaka visited the community
to see how the Bakken oil boom is impacting this Eastern Montana community
and filed this report.
 |
| a new home under construction in an
existing subdivion in Glendive |
 |
| Mud Masters Group Area Manager Joe
Bowen holding up a sample of the drilling mud. This clear, bio-degradable
polymer of sugars comes from corn and sugar beets |
Sen.
Baucus: Transportation
aired June 29, 2012
Senator Max Baucus was among those who heard the oral arguments in March,
when the Affordable Care Act was arguedbefore the U.S. Supreme Court.
But he chose not to be in the gallery when the justices delivered their
decision on the controversial law yesterday. As Jackie Yamanaka reports,
instead the lead sponsor of the federal health care law was working on
an extension of the federal highway bill.
Supreme
Court Affordable Care Act Decision
aired June 28, 2012
One of the chief architects of the federal health care law praises the
U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding the constitutionality of the Affordable
Care Act. Senator Max Baucus, as Chair of the Senate Finance Committee,
led the effort to draft the legislation. Jackie Yamakana reports.
LINKS: Kaiser
Family Foundation State Health Facts, NPR/Kaiser/Harvard
School of Public Health Project
USDA
Housing Help
aired June 27, 2012
An administrator with the USDA's Rural Development agency says her agency
has programs to help communities impacted by the shortage of housing because
of the current oil boom. She says there's also help for individuals who
lost their homes to wildfires. Jackie Yamanaka has more.
LINKS: USDA
Rural Development, USDA
Rural Development Montana, USDA
Rural Development Wyoming
Bakken
Traffic
aired June 19, 2012
One of the first things a visitor notices on the drive to the Bakken oil
fields is the amount of semi-truck traffic on the roads through eastern
Montana and western North Dakota. Jackie Yamanaka has more on how this
increased traffic is impacting two communities. 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.
 |
| Traffic moving through the Bakken.
photos by Jackie Yamanaka |
 |
Plentiful
Jobs, Tough Environment
aired June 18, 2012
Williston, North Dakota officials say the help wanted signs are up all
over the Bakken oil region of Western North Dakota and Eastern Montana
. . . and that wages can be better than average. The head of the community’s
economic development organization calls Williston the fastest-growing
“micro-politan” community in the nation. The promise of a
job has attracted job seekers from economically depressed areas from all
around the U.S. and the world. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from Williston,
officials warn that doesn’t mean finding a job, a place to live,
and adjusting to North Dakota’s climate will be easy.
LINKS: Williston
Economic Development, Job
Service North Dakota, Rockin'
the Bakken
 |
| New housing is being built in Williston,
ND to try to keep up with demand. These homes are expected to sell
between $300,000-400,000. Photo by Jackie Yamanaka. |
 |
| Those new homes and apartments are
out of reach for many working in the Williston Basin, instead they
are living in RV's, Campers, and tents. Photo by Jackie Yamanaka. |
 |
| Many oil field workers are living at
a "man camp" during their shift. This mud room is where
workers shed their boots and coveralls before entering the living
quarters. Photo by Jackie Yamanaka. |
 |
| These small rooms contain a bed, small
closet, table and a shared bedroom. The camps have a cafeteria/dining
room, recreation, exercise, laundry, computer room, convenience store,
and ATM open 24/7. Rooms are reserved in advance by companies. Public
access is restricted. Photo by Jackie Yamanaka. |
Sidney-Williston
aired June 15
The city of Sidney is struggling with how to cope with a failed water
treatment lagoon caused by the influx of people from the Bakken oil boom.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the lagoon is currently closed to additional
dumping from the county and RVs.
Keystone
XL/Bakken
aired June 13, 2012
The chief economist for the largest U.S. trade organization representing
oil and natural gas says advances in technology keep extending the life
of those industries. John Felmy was in Billings today to talk about the
industry. 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.
Coal
Trains & Billings Motorists
aired June 12, 2012
A planning committee made up of officials from Yellowstone County and
the City of Billings want to look for short-term solutions to address
train traffic and the impact on motorists. As Jackie Yamanaka reports,
officials say the issue is not about coal—rather, it's about the
possiblity of increased train traffic. 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.
Swords
Park Award
aired June 4, 2012
A trail on top of the Rimrocks in Billings is one of eight projects nationwide
being recognized for their outstanding use of money from the Recreational
Trails Program. A member of the City-County Planning Department will pick
up the award tomorrow in Washington, D.C. 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): Coalition
for Recreational Trails Press Release, MT
Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Trail of the Year Press Release
LINKS: American
Trails, MT
Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Recreational Trails Grant Program
 |
| A family bicycling on what's known
as Phase 2 on the Sword's Park trail. The new trail was dedicated
earlier this year. This portion on Black Otter trail connects the
existing non-mototorized trail on top of the Rimrocks and travels
underneath airport road. |
Sen.
Baucus—South Korea
aired May 31, 2012
A Billings-based company will sell $1.5 million worth of road marking
equipment to South Korea. The president of Mark Rite Lines credits the
U.S. trade agreement with South Korea for helping secure that new contract.
Senator Max Baucus visited the company's plant in Billings yesterday.
Jackie Yamanaka reports.
 |
| Baucus driving one of MRL's road striping
trucks |
 |
| Senator Max Baucus and Mark Rite Lines
Company President Jim Spielman at the company's 90,000 square-foot
manufacturing facility in Billings |
Board
of Regents: UM Sexual Assaults
aired May 25
University of Montana President Royce Engstrom says as of Thursday the
Missoula campus issued sanctions against eight students as a result of
rape allegations that first came to light last December. The update came
during the Montana Board of Regents meeting at MSU Northern. Jackie Yamanaka
reports.
YAM
Gallery Opening
aired May 22, 2012
The public is invited for a ribbon-cutting for the opening of a new exhibition
gallery at the Yellowstone Art Museum in Billings. The Charles M. Bair
gallery's first show is called "Body of Work." The show features
the range and diversity of art centered on the human figure from the museum's
permanent collection. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
DOCUMENT (in .pdf format): YAM
Press Release
 |
| YAM President-Elect Kris Carpenter
(L), YAM Executive Director Robyn Peterson, and YAM Associate Curator
Liz Harding |
 |
| YAM registrar Nancy Clark preparing
to hang a painting for the "Body of Work: Figural Work from the
Permanent Collection" |
Fuel
Mitigation/Habitat Improvement
aired May 18, 2012
The U-S Bureau of Land Management is paying for just over 30 fuel reduction
projects across Montana and South Dakota. Officials say one goal is to
help protect life and property by reducing the amount offuel that could
burn around homes, other structures, and roads. They add these projects
also improve the health of the land. The BLM is just one of the partners
working on a project near Red Lodge. The group met Wednesday to get an
update on the project and visit the site. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
LINKS: Yellowstone
Bighorn Research Association, Beartooth
Resource Conservation and Development, Bureau
of Land Management Fire and Fuels Management, Red
Lodge Fire Rescue, Fire
Safe Montana, Ready,
Set, Go
 |
| Cabins at the Yellowstone Bighorn Research
Association (YBRA) after some trees and brush were cleared away from
the buildings |
 |
| A YBRA cabin where fuels reduction
hasn't yet taken place yet |
 |
| Ryan Ples of Red Lodge Fire Rescue
cutting up a beetle killed tree |
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 |
|
