Gianforte’s Budget Does Not Recognize Public Lands Funding Approved by
Montanans
Proposed budget diverts funding voters intended for conservation
(BOZEMAN Mont.) – Montana Conservation Voters released the following
statement from Executive Director Whitney Tawney in response to Governor
Greg Gianforte’s recently released proposed state budget, which does not
include dedicated funding for conservation or public lands from the
anticipated marijuana tax revenue overwhelmingly approved by Montana
voters.
“Although we’re pleased to see Governor Gianforte’s budget fund many of the
state agencies and outdoor programs we care about, we’re disappointed he
chose to divert new revenue approved by voters away from our public lands
and conservation. We look forward to working with the legislature to
restore the much needed funding to protect our outdoor heritage.”
In November, Montana voters passed Initiative 190, which legalized
marijuana use for adults over age 21 and directed the tax revenue to fund
our public lands.
MCV hopes that the legislature will honor the will of the voters by
returning the dedicated funding to our public lands, and will work with any
elected official to accomplish this goal.
Montana Conservation Voters is a statewide non-partisan membership
organization dedicated to fighting for Montana’s air, water, open spaces,
wildlife and public health. MCV provides voter participation services to
tens of thousands of Montanans. Visit mtvoters.org for more details.
CONTACT
Whitney Tawney
Montana Conservation Voters
whitney@mtvoters.org
406-254-1593
