The Montana 2013 Biennium Budget: Updated May 2012

Abstract This report provides a brief update on Montana’s 2013 Biennium Budget. There was not a legislative session in 2012; Montana’s legislature meets once every other year and has a biennium budget. Despite the state of the economy and the condition of most state budgets, Montana managed to balance its budget and leave a surplus. This does not reflect the “best of economic times” for the state – Montana has a history of being frugal with its finances and both political parties tend to keep state and local government small. This is just part of the political culture of the state.