Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana

Articles written by Brooke Stroyke


Sorted by date  Results 1 - 25 of 25

  • Gianforte, DPHHS Invest $2.1 Million in Universal Mental Health Screening

    BROOKE STROYKE, Office of the Governor|Feb 22, 2023

    Together with Charlie Brereton, director of the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Governor Greg Gianforte announced a $2.1 million investment to increase access to universal screening for mental health and substance use issues among young Montanans. “No young Montanan struggling with their mental health is alone,” Governor Gianforte said. “By investing in voluntary universal mental health screening in our schools, we can get young Montanans the help they need, reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, and build...

  • $2.1 Million Invested in Universal Mental Health Screening

    BROOKE STROYKE, Office of the Governor|Feb 22, 2023

    Together with Charlie Brereton, director of the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Governor Greg Gianforte announced a $2.1 million investment to increase access to universal screening for mental health and substance use issues among young Montanans. “No young Montanan struggling with their mental health is alone,” Governor Gianforte said. “By investing in voluntary universal mental health screening in our schools, we can get young Montanans the help they need, reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, and build...

  • Governor Gianforte Urges University System To Ban TikTok

    BROOKE STROYKE, Office of the Governor|Jan 4, 2023

    After banning TikTok on state devices, for state business, and while connected to the state network, Governor Greg Gianforte today urged the Board of Regents to support efforts by Commissioner of Higher Education Clay Christian to take similar action within the university system. “The ability of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to spy on Americans using TikTok is well documented. Using or even downloading TikTok poses a massive security threat,” Governor Gianforte wrote in a letter to the Board of Regents. “Given the risk use of TikTok poses...

  • Gianforte Welcomes Amazon

    BROOKE STROYKE, Office of the Governor|Dec 21, 2022

    Governor Greg Gianforte announced Friday, December 16, 2022 that Amazon’s first facility in Montana is currently under construction in Missoula. Representing Amazon’s first major investment in Montana, the new facility will create more than 100 new jobs. “Today’s a great day for Montana as we welcome Amazon to the Treasure State,” Governor Greg Gianforte said. “We’re thrilled Amazon has recognized Missoula’s business-friendly environment, unmatched quality of life, and hardworking and talented workforce, and look forward to the 100 good-paying...

  • Governor Gianforte Prohibits Use of TikTok for State Business, on State Equipment

    BROOKE STROYKE, Office of the Governor|Dec 21, 2022

    Governor Greg Gianforte prohibited the use of TikTok on state equipment and for state business in Montana on Friday, December 16. In a memo to Chief Information Officer Kevin Gilbertson and executive agency directors, the governor cited TikTok’s practice of harvesting expansive amounts of data from its users’ devices and offering this information to the Chinese Communist Party. “Government’s chief responsibility is keeping its citizens safe and secure,” Governor Gianforte wrote. “Use of TikTok on state devices poses a significant risk to the...

  • Gianforte Unveils Historic Pro-Family, Pro-Jobs Budget

    BROOKE STROYKE, Office of the Governor|Nov 16, 2022

    Governor Greg Gianforte today unveiled his “Budget for Montana Families,” a historic pro-family, pro-jobs budget for the State of Montana for the next biennium. Governor Gianforte’s “Budget for Montana Families” provides $1 billion in income and property tax relief to Montanans in the largest tax cut in state history. The budget also invests in infrastructure, state-run facilities, education, and safer communities through more law enforcement and treatment programs. Additionally, the budget makes the State of Montana debt-free in 2023, pay...

  • Governor Visits LaHood Construction Site

    BROOKE STROYKE, Office of the Governor|Sep 28, 2022

    Continuing his 56 County Tour in Broadwater and Jefferson counties, Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted the strength of Montana's workforce, meeting with small business owners and employees, first responders, medical professionals, and tradesmen. Beginning his afternoon in Townsend, the governor grabbed lunch at Full Belli Deli, owned and operated by Dakota and Heidi Bingham. There, the governor had lunch, met Heidi, and thanked her and her employees for adding greater vibrancy to the...

  • Governor Gianforte Announces Record Apprenticeship Growth in Montana

    BROOKE STROYKE, Office of Governor Gianforte|Sep 7, 2022

    At a construction site in Yellowstone County, Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the number of new apprenticeships in Montana this year is on track to surpass the number for 2018, 2019, and 2020 combined. “A four-year college degree isn’t the path for everyone, and Montana needs more carpenters, plumbers, welders, and electricians like those I met today,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Through apprenticeships, we’re promoting access to good-paying careers, and it’s paying off. Montana has added a record 700 new apprentices so far this year.” Mont...

  • Gianforte Extends Montana Tax Return Deadline One Week

    BROOKE STROYKE, Office of Governor Gianforte|Apr 20, 2022

    Due to severe weather in areas of Montana, Governor Greg Gianforte announced April 18, 2022, a one-week extension of the 2021 Montana Individual Income Tax Return deadline to Monday, April 25, 2022. “After hearing from Montanans impacted by the recent winter storms, particularly in eastern Montana, we moved quickly to extend the state filing deadline for those unable to get their tax returns in on time,” Gianforte said. The one-week extension applies only to the 2021 Montana Individual Income Tax Return. The extension does not apply to fed...

  • Gianforte Announces Partnership and Expansion of Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign

    BROOKE STROYKE, Office of the Governor|Feb 9, 2022

    On January 31, the last day of Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Governor Greg Gianforte announced a partnership between Town Pump, the LifeGuard Group, and the State of Montana to raise awareness and put an end to human trafficking in Montana. “Earlier this month, we brought together state and local law enforcement and nonprofit leaders to discuss strategies to end human trafficking in Montana. All of us there agreed – awareness is critical to stopping these despicable crimes and supporting victims,” Gov. Gianforte said. “With th...

  • Gianforte, Jacobsen Announce Record Business Creation in 2021

    BROOKE STROYKE, Office of the Governor|Jan 19, 2022

    Governor Greg Gianforte and Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen announced a record number of new businesses were created in Montana last year. More than 51,500 new businesses were registered with the Montana Secretary of State in 2021, surpassing the previous record set in 2020 by more than 12,000 businesses. “Montana is open for business. In the last twelve months, we’ve seen a record low unemployment rate, a record number of Montanans working, and a record number of new businesses created in the state,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We’ll continue...

  • Gianforte Reaffirms Montana Law Banning Discrimination Based on Vaccination Status

    BROOKE STROYKE, Office of the Governor|Dec 29, 2021

    Governor Gianforte provided guidance to Montana employers and employees impacted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rule mandating vaccines for employers with 100 or more employees nationwide. “Montana law is unequivocal: employers are prohibited from discriminating based on vaccination status,” Gov. Gianforte wrote in guidance to Montanans. “While employers may encourage employees to vaccinate, they may not tie or modify any terms of employment based on vaccination status.” On November 5, 2021, OSHA published the “CO...

  • Montana Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.1%

    BROOKE STROYKE, Office of the Governor|Nov 24, 2021

    Governor Greg Gianforte announced the number of employed Montanans hit an all-time high in October as Montana’s unemployment rate fell to 3.1%, a low achieved only six times over the last 45 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Total employment grew by nearly 2,400 jobs while the labor force expanded by nearly 1,200 workers. “By opening Montana for business, we have more Montanans working than ever before,” Governor Greg Gianforte said. “We’ll continue enacting policies that create more Montana jobs, increase opportuni...

  • Gianforte Declares Montana a Hidden Heroes State

    BROOKE STROYKE, Office of the Governor|Nov 17, 2021

    In honor of Veterans Day on November 11, Governor Greg Gianforte issued a proclamation declaring Montana a Hidden Heroes State to recognize military caregivers. “Montana is proudly home to one of the highest numbers of veterans per capita in the nation. We’re also home to countless military and veteran caregivers, whether they’re parents, spouses, siblings, or friends,” Gov. Gianforte said. “By proclaiming Montana a Hidden Heroes State, we’re recognizing those who are serving these vital roles in our communities.” As a Hidden Heroes state,...

  • Gov. Gianforte Reaffirms Montana Law Banning Vaccination Mandate

    BROOKE STROYKE, Office of the Governor|Nov 17, 2021

    Governor Greg Gianforte issued the following statement regarding COVID-19 vaccination mandates by employers in Montana: “Despite President Biden’s efforts to mandate vaccinations for employers and their employees, Montana law remains the law of the land, and no employer in our state should use President Biden’s OSHA rule, now halted by a federal court, as a basis for imposing illegal vaccination requirements on employees.” Codified under Montana’s Human Rights Act, House Bill 702 prohibits discrimination based on an individual’s vaccination sta...

  • Governor, DPHHS Launch New Program To Help Montanans With Water Expenses

    BROOKE STROYKE, Office of the Governor|Nov 10, 2021

    Together with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Governor Greg Gianforte announced a new, statewide $3.8 million program to help eligible Montanans pay for water and wastewater expenses. “This program will go a long way to help ensure Montanans maintain access to water at their home, without worrying about disruptions to service,” Gov. Gianforte said. Data gathered from the larger cities across the state indicate that many households are 60 or more days past due with amounts ranging anywhere from $50 to $1,...

  • Montana Reaches Record High of Employed Workers, Unemployment Rate Falls to 14-Year Low

    BROOKE STROYKE, Office of Governor Greg Gianforte|Oct 27, 2021

    Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the number of employed workers in Montana hit an all-time high in September and the unemployment rate fell to 3.3%, a low not seen since June 2007. “Montana is in the midst of a historic economic recovery. We’ve recovered all jobs lost since the start of the pandemic, and more Montanans are working now than in our state’s history,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As we lead the Montana comeback, we’ll continue making Montana more competitive with lower taxes and less red tape, so folks throughout our state can p...

  • Gov. Gianforte Sends National Guard to Aid Hospitals

    BROOKE STROYKE, Office of the Governor|Sep 29, 2021

    Governor Greg Gianforte today announced he is sending Montana National Guardsmen to hospitals across the state to support their COVID-19 response, fulfilling all current formal requests for National Guard resources. “Joining doctors and nurses on the frontlines, the men and women of the Montana National Guard will provide critical supports to our hospitals as their systems are strained,” Gov. Gianforte said. “While these Guardsmen will help ease the heavy burden our frontline health workers face,” Gov Gianforte continued, “the best long-term...

  • Gov. Gianforte to President Biden: Protect America, Restore Security, End Border Crisis

    BROOKE STROYKE, Office of the Governor|Sep 22, 2021

    More than half of the nation’s governors, including Governor Greg Gianforte, called on President Joe Biden to end the crisis at the southern border and secure the United States. “The months-long surge in illegal crossings has instigated an international humanitarian crisis, spurred a spike in international criminal activity, and opened the floodgates to human traffickers and drug smugglers endangering public health and safety in our states,” Gov Gianforte and the governors wrote. “A crisis that began at our southern border now extends beyond...

  • Gianforte Announces National Guard Resources for COVID-19 Response

    BROOKE STROYKE, Office of the Governor|Sep 15, 2021

    Governor Greg Gianforte announced that 10 Montana National Guardsmen have volunteered to assist the Billings Clinic in its COVID-19 response. “Over the last year, soldiers in the Montana National Guard have consistently stepped up to the plate, and today is no different,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We’ll continue working with hospitals to address their individual needs as the state responds to COVID-19.” “Billings Clinic is incredibly grateful to have support from the Montana National Guard to help with immense capacity and staffing challenges...

  • Govs. Gianforte, Little Urge President Biden To Commit to "Active, Responsive" Partnership on Wildfires

    Brooke Stroyke, Gianforte Office|Jul 7, 2021

    Governors Greg Gianforte of Montana and Brad Little of Idaho urged President Biden to commit to an “active, responsive” partnership with states in wildfire response, wildfire preparedness, and active forest management. Govs. Gianforte and Little sent their message to the president ahead of his meeting with some western governors to discuss the federal government’s response to wildfires. Despite facing severe wildfire seasons, Montana and Idaho are two of three western states President Biden did not invite to participate. The Biden admin...

  • Gov. Gianforte Launches Come Home Montana Campaign

    BROOKE STROYKE, Office of the Governor|Jun 9, 2021

    Governor Greg Gianforte launched a website as part of the administration's new campaign to encourage Montanans, who have moved to other states, to come back home to Montana. "For too long, Montana's most valuable export has been our kids and grandkids," Gov. Gianforte said. "Our quality of life is second to none, and we're reminding former residents of what a great place Montana is to live, work, and raise a family. We're growing opportunities and creating an environment so more Montanans can...

  • Gov. Gianforte Signs HB 701, Authorizing HEART Fund

    Brooke Stroyke, Officer of Governor Gianforte|May 26, 2021

    Gov. Gianforte signed House Bill 701 which implements Montana's adult-use recreational marijuana program and authorizes the Healing and Ending Addiction through Recovery and Treatment (HEART) Fund. The governor released the following statement on signing HB 701: "Since January, we've been focused on implementing the will of Montana voters in a safe, responsible, and appropriately regulated manner. House Bill 701 accomplishes this," Gov. Gianforte said. "From the start, I've been clear that we...

  • Gianforte Signs Bill Prohibiting Sanctuary Cities in Montana

    Brooke Stroyke, Office of the Governor|Apr 7, 2021

    Governor Greg Gianforte signed a bill into law that bans sanctuary cities in Montana. “We are a nation of laws, and immigration laws will be enforced in Montana,” Governor Greg Gianforte said. “HB 200 ensures drug dealers, human traffickers, and other criminals who are in our country unlawfully will have no refuge in our state.” House Bill 200, sponsored by Rep. Kenneth Holmlund (R-Miles City), prohibits state agencies and local governments from adopting sanctuary policies that endanger communities and the law enforcement officers that serve t...

  • Gianforte Signs TEACH Act to Increase Starting Teacher Pay

    Brooke Stroyke, Office of the Governor|Mar 10, 2021

    Governor Greg Gianforte signed the TEACH Act into law at Sacajawea Elementary School in Great Falls on Friday, March 3, 2021. The TEACH Act, or Tomorrow's Educators Are Coming Home Act, provides $2.5 million in incentives to improve starting teacher pay. Currently, Montana has the lowest average starting teacher pay in the country. "This new law will help increase starting teacher pay and make it easier for tomorrow's educators to stay in Montana or come back home," Governor Gianforte said. "Dem...