FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 7, 2021

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.

###