Montana state budget and finances

---

This article does not contain the most recently published data on this subject. If you would like to help our coverage grow, consider donating to Ballotpedia.

---

Montana budget and finances

General information

Budget calendar: Biennial

Fiscal year: 2017

State credit rating: AA (as of 2017)

Current governor: Greg Gianforte

Financial figures

Total spending (state and federal funds): $6,384,000,000 (estimated 2016)

Per capita spending: $6,124 (estimated 2016)

Total state tax collections: $2,627,943,000 (2016)

Per capita tax collections: $2,521 (2016)

State debt: $3,206,612,000 (2014)

Per capita state debt: $3,107 (2014)

State budget and finance pages • Total state expenditures • State debt • Tax policy in Montana

Note: In comparing dollar amounts across the states, it is important to note that the cost of living can differ from state to state and within a state. The amounts given on this page have not been adjusted to reflect these differences. For more information on "regional price disparities" and the Consumer Price Index, see the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis. This article, which is updated on an annual basis, was last updated in June 2017. It contains information from several sources; consequently, the currency of the information can vary from source to source.

In Montana, as in other states, lawmakers and public officials are elected in part to manage the state's finances. This includes generating revenues (money coming into the state from various sources) and approving expenditures (the money spent on governmental functions and servicing state debt). State budgets are complex and fluid, as they depend on anticipated revenues and planned expenditures, which may alter over the course of a fiscal year. If revenues do not keep pace with expenditures, states generally have to raise taxes, cut services, borrow money, or a combination of the three. State budget decisions are also influenced by policy decisions at the national level, such as the Affordable Care Act or energy and environmental regulations, and issues at the local level, such as crime and the quality of education.

HIGHLIGHTS

Between fiscal years 2015 and 2016, total government spending in Montana increased by approximately $1.0 million—from $6.4 billion in fiscal year 2015 to an estimated $6.4 billion in 2016. This represents a 0.0-percent increase.

In Montana in fiscal year 2015, 49.5 percent of total tax revenues came from income taxes.

Education accounted for 26.2 percent of state expenditures in fiscal year 2015, while 17.4 percent went to Medicaid.

Definitions

The following terms are used to describe a state's finances:

• Revenues come mainly from tax collections, licensing fees, federal aid, and returns on investments.
• Expenditures generally include spending on government salaries, infrastructure, education, public pensions, public assistance, corrections, Medicaid, and transportation.
• State debt refers to the money borrowed to make up for a deficit when revenues do not cover spending.
• The state credit rating is the grade given by a credit rating agency based on the general financial health of the state's government and economy.
• State funds include general and other state-based funds. A general fund is "the predominant fund for financing a state's operations." Other state funds are "restricted by law for particular governmental functions or activities."
• Federal funds are "funds received directly from the federal government."
• Total spending is calculated by adding together the totals for state and federal funds used for expenditures.

Revenues

2016 revenues

See also: State government tax collections by source

The table below breaks down state government tax collections by source in 2016 (comparable figures from surrounding states are also provided to give additional context). Figures for all columns except "2016 population" and "Per capita collections" are rendered in thousands of dollars (for example, $2,448 translates to $2,448,000). Figures in the columns labeled "2016 population" and "Per capita collections" have not been abbreviated.

State tax collections by source ($ in thousands), 2016
State	Property taxes	Sales and gross receipts	Licenses	Income taxes	Other taxes	Total	2016 population	Per capita collections
Montana	$278,497	$562,474	$319,020	$1,300,011	$167,941	$2,627,943	1,042,520	$2,521
Idaho	N/A	$2,121,094	$372,883	$1,710,234	$5,303	$4,209,514	1,683,140	$2,501
North Dakota	$3,910	$1,496,824	$204,055	$454,194	$1,550,122	$3,709,105	757,952	$4,894
Wyoming	$338,776	$820,146	$157,086	N/A	$597,599	$1,913,607	585,501	$3,268
United States	$18,364,298	$442,909,995	$52,164,396	$392,286,910	$24,538,146	$930,263,745	322,762,018	$2,882.20
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "2016 annual survey of state government tax collections by category," accessed June 26, 2017

The table below lists 2016 tax collections by source as percentages of total collections. About 49.5 percent of Montana's total state tax collections came from income taxes.

State tax collections by source (as percentages), 2016
State	Property taxes	Sales and gross receipts	Licenses	Income taxes	Other taxes
Montana	10.6%	21.4%	12.1%	49.5%	6.4%
Idaho	N/A	50.4%	8.9%	40.6%	0.1%
North Dakota	0.1%	40.4%	5.5%	12.2%	41.8%
Wyoming	17.7%	42.9%	8.2%	N/A	31.2%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "2016 annual survey of state government tax collections by category," accessed April 4, 2016

Federal aid to the state budget

See also: Federal aid to state budgets

State governments receive aid from the federal government to fund a variety of joint programs, mainly in the form of grants for such things as Medicaid, education, and transportation. In 2014, federal aid to the states accounted for roughly 31 percent of all state general revenues. Federal aid varies from state to state. For example, Mississippi received approximately $7.2 billion in federal aid in 2014, accounting for about 41 percent of the state's general revenues, the highest percentage of all of the states. By contrast, North Dakota received about $1.5 billion in federal aid in 2014, or just 17 percent of the state's general revenues, the lowest percentage in the nation.

The table below notes what share of Montana’s general revenues came from the federal government in 2014. That year, Montana received approximately $2.3 billion in federal aid, 39.1 percent of the state's general revenues. Taking into consideration the state's 2014 population, this came out to about $2,283 in federal aid per capita. Figures from surrounding states are provided for additional context.

Federal aid to state budgets, 2014
State	Total federal aid ($ in thousands)	Federal aid as a % of general revenues	Ranking (by % of general revenues)	Est. 2014 population	Aid per capita
Montana	$2,335,571	39.1%	4	1,022,867	$2,283
Idaho	$2,516,494	33.9%	19	1,633,532	$1,541
North Dakota	$1,483,627	16.8%	50	739,904	$2,005
Wyoming	$2,050,242	35.5%	12	583,642	$3,513
Sources: United States Census Bureau, "2014 State and Local Government Finances," accessed June 26, 2017 Note: Per-capita figures were generated by Ballotpedia by dividing total federal aid for the state by the estimated population of that state in 2014.

Spending

Estimated 2016 expenditures

See also: Total state expenditures

The table below breaks down estimated spending totals for fiscal year 2016 (comparable figures from surrounding states are included to provide additional context). Figures for all columns except "Population” and “Per capita spending" are rendered in millions of dollars (for example, $2,448 translates to $2,448,000,000). Figures in the columns labeled "Population” and “Per capita spending" have not been abbreviated.

The total estimated government spending in Montana in fiscal year 2016 was $6.4 billion.

Total estimated state spending, FY 2016 ($ in millions)
State	State funds	Federal funds	Total spending	Population	Per capita spending
Montana	$4,014	$2,370	$6,384	1,042,520	$6,124
Idaho	$5,039	$2,905	$7,944	1,683,140	$4,720
North Dakota	$6,275	$1,779	$8,054	757,952	$10,626
Wyoming	$6,583	$1,308	$7,891	585,501	$13,477
Per-capita figures are calculated by taking the state's total spending and dividing by the number of state residents according to United States Census Bureau estimates. Source: National Association of State Budget Officers, "State Expenditure Report (Fiscal 2014-2016)," accessed June 26, 2017

Spending by function

See also: State spending by function as a percent of total expenditures

State spending in Montana can be further broken down by function (elementary and secondary education, public assistance, etc.). Fiscal year 2015 information is included in the table below (information from neighboring states is provided for additional context). Figures are rendered as percentages, indicating the share of the total budget spent per category.

In fiscal year 2015, other spending accounted for 41 percent of Montana's total expenditures.

State spending by function as a percent of total expenditures, FY 2015
State	K-12 education	Higher education	Public assistance	Medicaid	Corrections	Trans- portation	Other
Montana	15.8%	10.4%	0.5%	17.4%	3.3%	11.7%	41.0%
Idaho	24.7%	8.3%	0.2%	27.8%	3.9%	9.1%	26.0%
North Dakota	13.8%	16.5%	0.1%	14.0%	1.4%	21.1%	33.2%
Wyoming	9.4%	3.8%	0.0%	7.1%	1.5%	6.4%	71.7%
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers Note: "Other" expenditures include "Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), institutional and community care for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled, public health programs, employer contributions to pensions and health benefits, economic development, environmental projects, state police, parks and recreation, housing and general aid to local governments."

Spending trends

The table below details the spending trends in Montana in previous years. Figures are rendered as percentages, indicating the share of the total budget spent per category.

Spending by function from 2010 to 2015 (as percentages)
Year	K-12 education	Higher education	Public assistance	Medicaid	Corrections	Transportation	Other
2015	15.8%	10.4%	0.5%	17.4%	3.3%	11.7%	41.0%
2014	15.7%	10.4%	0.5%	17.0%	3.2%	11.4%	41.9%
2013	15.5%	10.1%	0.5%	17.9%	3.2%	11%	41.8%
2012	15.5%	9.8%	0.5%	16.8%	3.1%	12.7%	41.5%
2011	15.1%	9.8%	0.5%	15.7%	2.9%	11.4%	44.5%
2010	15.1%	9.6%	0.6%	15.4%	3.0%	11.5%	44.8%
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers Note: "Other" expenditures include "Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), institutional and community care for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled, public health programs, employer contributions to pensions and health benefits, economic development, environmental projects, state police, parks and recreation, housing and general aid to local governments."

State debt

See also: Montana state debt

State debt refers to any debt owned by a state government. Debt may include any financial obligations a state has that have not been paid, such as bonds issued by state governments, money borrowed by a state government that has not been repaid, or post-retirement benefits promised to state employees. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Montana had a debt of $3,206,612,000 in fiscal year 2015. The state debt per capita was $3,107. This ranked Montana 47th among the states in debt and 29th in per capita debt. The total state debt owned by the 50 states was $1.15 trillion with a per capita debt of $3,582.

Economic indicators

See also: Economic indicators by state

Montana's GDP increased by 1.8 percent in 2014. Click the image to view a larger version.

Broadly defined, a healthy economy is typically one that has a "stable and strong rate of economic growth" (gross state product, in this case) and low unemployment, among many other factors. The economic health of a state can significantly affect its healthcare costs, insurance coverage, access to care, and citizens' physical and mental health. For instance, during economic downturns, employers may reduce insurance coverage for employees, while those who are laid off may lose coverage altogether. Individuals also tend to spend less on non-urgent care or postpone visits to the doctor when times are hard. These changes in turn may affect the decisions made by policymakers as they react to shifts in the industry. Additionally, a person's socioeconomic status has profound effects on their access to care and the quality of care received.

In 2013, Montana had the smallest percentage of residents earning incomes at least 400 percent above the federal poverty level (FPL) and the largest percentage that earned incomes below the FPL. From 2011 to 2013, Montana's median annual household income was $43,924, lowest among neighboring states.

Note: Gross state product (GSP) on its own is not necessarily an indicator of economic health; GSP may also be influenced by state population size. Many factors must be looked at together to assess state economic health.

Various economic indicators by state
State	Distribution of population by FPL* (2013)				Median annual income (2011-2013)	Unemployment rate		Total GSP (2013)†
	Under 100%	100-199%	200-399%	400%+		Sept. 2013	Sept. 2014
Montana	15%	19%	35%	31%	$43,924	5.6%	4.6%	$44,040
North Dakota	10%	17%	33%	40%	$55,583	2.8%	2.8%	$56,329
South Dakota	11%	17%	35%	37%	$50,488	3.7%	3.4%	$46,732
Wyoming	12%	18%	31%	39%	$56,569	4.6%	4.7%	$45,432
United States	15%	19%	30%	36%	$52,047	7.2%	5.9%	$16,701,415
* Federal Poverty Level. "The U.S. Census Bureau's poverty threshold for a family with two adults and one child was $18,751 in 2013. This is the official measurement of poverty used by the Federal Government." † Median annual household income, 2011-2013. ‡ In millions of current dollars. "Gross State Product is a measurement of a state's output; it is the sum of value added from all industries in the state." Source: The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, "State Health Facts"

Budget process

State documents and agenciesBelow are links to official Montana budget and financial documents. The first is the state's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). A CAFR is a detailed presentation of a government entity's financial condition. This includes fiscal activities and balances for a fiscal year. The second link is to the state's relevant budget agency or office. Montana CAFR Montana budget agency

The state operates on a biennial budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:

1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies in April and August.
2. Agencies submit their budget requests to the governor in June and September.
3. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the state legislature by November 15. Governors-elect submit budget proposals by January 7.
4. The legislature typically adopts a budget in April. A simple majority is required to pass a budget. The biennium begins July 1.

Montana is one of 44 states in which the governor has line item veto authority.

The governor is statutorily required to submit a balanced budget proposal. The legislature is constitutionally required to pass a balanced budget.

Agencies, offices, and committees

The following standing committees in the Montana State Legislature deal with budget and finance matters:

1. Appropriations Committee, Montana House of Representatives
2. Finance and Claims Committee, Montana State Senate
3. Taxation Committee, Montana House of Representatives
4. Taxation Committee, Montana State Senate

The Montana Legislative Auditor conducts financial and compliance, performance, and information system audits of state agencies or their programs, including the university system. These audit reports are published online. The Legislative Auditor is solely responsible to the Legislative Assembly and is appointed by and operates primarily through the Legislative Audit Committee. The term of office is for two years, beginning July 1 of each even-numbered year.

Public Interest Research Group 2016 report

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group, a consumer-focused nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., released its annual report on state transparency websites in April 2016. The report, entitled "Following the Money," measured how transparent and accountable state websites were with regard to state government spending. According to the report, Montana received a grade of A- and a numerical score of 92, indicating that Montana was "Leading" in terms of transparency regarding state spending.

Budget and finance ballot measures

Voting on state and local government budgets, spending, and finance
Policy
Budget policy
Ballot measures
By state
By year
Not on ballot
Local City budgets County budgets Spending limits School budgets

See also: Spending and finance on the ballot and List of Montana ballot measures

Ballotpedia has tracked the following ballot measures relating to state and local budget and financial matters in Montana.

1. Montana Big Sky Dividend, CI-63 (1992)
2. Montana Treasure State Endowment Fund, LR-110 (June 1992)
3. Montana Protection of Public Pension Assets, C-25 (1994)
4. Montana Public Funds Investment, C-44 (2008)
5. Montana Investment of State Funds, I-8 (1914)
6. Montana State Highway Treasury Anticipation Debenture Act, R-35 (May 1931)
7. Montana State Highway Treasury Anticipation Debentures Act, I-41 (1938)
8. Montana State Highway Treasury Anticipation Debentures Act, R-49 (June 1945)
9. Montana Resource Indemnity Trust, C-1 (1974)
10. Montana State Depository Board, Amendment 1 (1908)
11. Montana Interest on School Funds, Amendment 2 (1920)
12. Montana Administration of Gifts, Amendment 2 (1924)
13. Montana Investment of Public School Permanent Fund, Amendment 2 (1938)
14. Montana Income from Public School Funds, Amendment 1 (1944)
15. Montana Limitation of County Indebtedness, Amendment 2 (1950)
16. Montana Limitation of Municipal Indebtedness, Amendment 3 (1950)
17. Montana Indebtedness of High School Districts, Amendment 1 (1958)
18. Montana Coal Tax Trust Fund, C-3 (1976)
19. Montana Limit State Spending, CI-7 (1976)
20. Montana Committee for Budget Amendments, C-5 (1978)
21. Montana Investment of Public and School Funds, C-10 (1982)
22. Montana Invest Coal Tax, I-95 (1982)
23. Montana Investment of Public Funds, C-17 (1988)
24. Montana Compensation Insurance Fund Asset Investment, C-34 (2000)
25. Montana Local Government Insurance Asset Investment, C-36 (2002)
26. Montana Public Funds Investment in Private Corporate Stock, C-39 (2002)

Budget and finance legislation

The following is a list of recent budget and finance bills that have been introduced in or passed by the Montana state legislature. To learn more about each of these bills, click the bill title. This information is provided by BillTrack50 and LegiScan.

Note: Due to the nature of the sorting process used to generate this list, some results may not be relevant to the topic. If no bills are displayed below, no legislation pertaining to this topic has been introduced in the legislature recently.

Recent news

The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Montana budget. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.

Montana state budget and finances - Google News

Contact information

Montana Office of Budget and Program Planning
P.O. Box 200802
Helena, Montana 59620
Telephone: 406-444-3616

See also

• Historical Montana budget and finance information
• Tax policy in Montana
• Montana government sector lobbying
• Montana public pensions
• Governor of Montana
• Montana State Senate
• Montana House of Representatives
• Montana State Legislature