Main Street is essential
By Montana Governor
Brian Schweitzer
The State of Montana is fortunate to be weathering the economic turmoil facing our nation's economy. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities recently said that Montana was one of only two states in the nation not facing budget shortfalls in 2010. Montana has over $300 million in the bank, the largest surplus in state history.
But, just like Montana businesses and families that are closely watching their bottom lines during this downturn, I know state government must do the same. Reversions from my state agencies contributed to the fund balance. The careful stewardship of taxpayer money by the agency directors resulted in more than $100 million being reverted to, or collected for, the General Fund.
The heart of Montana is our main streets. Taverns and other small businesses play a central role in keeping dollars in our communities. Consequently, growing our economy and continuing to strengthen our main streets is critically important.
Energy production is one area that has seen significant growth in the past five years. Montana has had strong growth in the energy sector: a 38 percent increase in oil production from 2004-2008, a 35 percent increase in coal and a whopping 34 percent increase in natural gas production.
Traditional energy development is not the only place Montana is leading the nation. As many of you already knew, Montana has some of the best wind energy potential in the world and companies have been investing billions in development. That investment has resulted in the fastest growth in wind power generation in the country – increasing from one megawatt to 376 megawatts with more on the way
Economic development that helps our main streets has been a priority for my administration and I assure you it will continue to be a driving force – Montana is open for business! Together we have created thousands of jobs and our unemployment rate remains lower than in most of the country.
I look forward to continuing to work with you to make our great state even better. I can't do it alone – I want to hear from you. Please visit my website at <www.governor.mt.gov> and submit your good ideas or apply for boards or councils.
And stop by when you are in Helena – the door is always open.
Montana is a special place. It is the best place to grow a business, raise a family and build a community. Thank you for your commitment to Montana's main streets – I appreciate all that our tavern owners and small businesses and their employees contribute.
Happy holidays!