HELENA, Mont. – In a press conference at the state capitol, Governor Greg Gianforte today called on legislators to deliver on Montanans’ priorities, including fully funding law enforcement and strengthening the state’s budget reserves.

Citing violent crime incidents over the last two weeks, including officers being shot, Gov. Gianforte emphasized the need to fully fund law enforcement.

“I spent time with Cascade County deputies in Great Falls yesterday, breaking bread and hearing how they are doing,” Gov. Gianforte shared. “Now more than ever, it’s critical we properly fund law enforcement so they can do their jobs and ensure Montana families are safe.”

With the pandemic triggering a rise in drug-related and violent crime nationwide and in Montana, Gov. Gianforte made investing in law enforcement and increasing access to treatment a top priority in his Budget for Montana Families.

“To ensure we’re cracking down on criminals, our budget supports law enforcement,” Gov. Gianforte said.

Working with Attorney General Austin Knudsen, the governor’s budget funds five new highway patrol troopers, four new human trafficking agents, three new major case investigators, three new narcotics agents, as well as seven attorneys, including prosecutors, at the Montana Department of Justice.

This week, the Montana House of Representatives passed a budget bill that either reduces or eliminates the new law enforcement positions that the governor and attorney general proposed.

“Let’s be clear – combating violent crime and building safer, stronger communities will take investments,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Our budget makes those necessary investments, and I urge the Senate to restore the new highway patrol troopers, prosecutors, and criminal investigators we proposed and need.”

The governor also urged legislators to move on another element of his Budget for Montana Families which doubles the state’s rainy day fund.

According to Pew Charitable Trusts, the strength of Montana’s rainy day fund is below the national average and well below that of neighboring states.

“Healthy reserves and strong ending fund balances provide cushion for unforeseen emergencies, like a national economic downturn, inflation, or a natural disaster. They keep us stable and secure, even when facing unforeseen challenges,” the governor said.

“I’m urging legislators to get this funding bill to my desk. Let’s get it done,” he concluded.

The governor’s budget more than doubles the state’s rainy day fund from 4.5% of expenditures, or approximately $120 million, to 12% of expenditures, or approximately $300 million.

The governor’s press conference may be viewed here.