Montana Legislature passes two-year state budget deal

HELENA (AP) – The Montana Legislature has approved a two-year state budget after a committee added some $78 million to House and Senate proposals. The measure will go next to Gov. Steve Bullock for consideration.

Representatives passed House Bill 2 on third reading Friday morning by a vote of 81-19. Senators suspended procedural rules and voted twice to support the measure Friday afternoon. The final vote was 34-15.

A conference committee of House and Senate members charged with reaching a compromise approved about 30 amendments Thursday including adding $67 million to raise state employee wages. The two year budget totals about $10 billion, including federal spending.

The House passed a budget in March that Bullock said failed to fund critical services. The Legislature is required to pass a two-year state budget each session.