Gov. Greg Gianforte held a press conference in Helena Thursday morning to discuss the latest issues impacting the state.
Gianforte spent much of his time talking about public safety, as the state has seen a rash of violent incidents involving firearms over the last few weeks, including in the areas of St. Regis, Great Falls and Billings.
He said his office has requested funding in the biennium budget that supports law enforcement by paying for new personnel. House Bill 2 that passed that chamber on third reading Thursday only partially funded the governor's request for additional law enforcement.
The bill fell short of his request by five new Highway Patrol Troopers, two human trafficking agents, three major case investigators, one new narcotics agent and three attorneys/prosecutors that he requested.
Although the budget proposal has passed the House, there is still time for it to be amended, and Gianforte urged lawmakers to meet his demands.
“Let’s be clear. Combating violent crime and building safer, stronger communities will take investments. The last two weeks prove this. 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 honestly need.”
When asked about the proposal in the budget passed by the House to transfer 120 prisoners to a private prison in Arizona, Gianforte called it a “legislative decision” but said there needs to be a place to put them.
In the longer term, Gianforte said overcrowding can be rectified by rebuilding and upgrading the State Hospital and State Prison, which is included in the budget.