HELENA – U.S. Sen. Jon Tester said a lot of good things Wednesday night about the sweeping Senate health care bill — but stopped short of promising to vote for it.
Tester spoke to constituents in a telephone town hall meeting after the bill was released by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid — who is now trying to gather 60 critical votes in support of it.
Tester had only good things to say about the Senate health care reform plan. But will he vote for it?
One of longest-running stores in downtown Kalispell
After 42 Years, Books West Closes its Doors
Jim Holland, Dolores Holland and Lois Lauman, left to right, browse the bookshelves at Books West in downtown Kalispell. The bookstore is closing after 42 years. - Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon
At the end of November, downtown Kalispell will turn the page to a new chapter. And the words will be gone.
After 42 years, Books West is closing its doors. As one of the few remaining independent bookstores in the valley, it’s a blow to those who still believe a book purchased from your neighbor is more satisfying than one bought from strangers on the Internet. Along with a smattering of used and niche bookstores, there will now only be one independent distributor left in the valley selling new titles, Bookworks in Whitefish.
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After 42 years, Books West is closing its doors. As one of the few remaining independent bookstores in the valley, it’s a blow to those who still believe a book purchased from your neighbor is more satisfying than one bought from strangers on the Internet. Along with a smattering of used and niche bookstores, there will now only be one independent distributor left in the valley selling new titles, Bookworks in Whitefish.
Health Care Overhaul
Senate Health Bill Bottom Line: $849 Billion Overhaul
WASHINGTON – The political stakes enormous, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid launched long-awaited health care legislation Wednesday estimated to extend coverage to 94 percent of eligible Americans at a cost of $849 billion.
Initial maneuvering on the Senate floor was expected later in the week on the measure, bitterly opposed by Republicans eager to deny President Barack Obama a victory on his top domestic priority.
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Initial maneuvering on the Senate floor was expected later in the week on the measure, bitterly opposed by Republicans eager to deny President Barack Obama a victory on his top domestic priority.
Commerce Department Cuts
Schweitzer Says Budget Concern Behind Four Job Cuts
HELENA – Gov. Brian Schweitzer says budget concerns are behind a decision to cut four Commerce Department jobs.
The administration says more "austerity measures" could be coming. The governor says he has directed his administration to find saving measures wherever possible.
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The administration says more "austerity measures" could be coming. The governor says he has directed his administration to find saving measures wherever possible.
Federal government counts 134 jobs created or saved in the county
Is the Stimulus Helping Flathead Unemployment?
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Tara McMickle copies a number off of a posting on the job board at the Flathead Job Service in Kalispell last September. - File photo by Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon |
When the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law in February, national and state officials promised a life raft of job creation to help soften the blow of the economic recession.
In Flathead County, an area plagued with high unemployment, the question is whether the stimulus is fulfilling that promise. According to the federal stimulus tracking Web site, 134.1 full-time jobs have been created or saved in Flathead County. But that number may be inaccurate, according to at least one stimulus fund recipient.
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In Flathead County, an area plagued with high unemployment, the question is whether the stimulus is fulfilling that promise. According to the federal stimulus tracking Web site, 134.1 full-time jobs have been created or saved in Flathead County. But that number may be inaccurate, according to at least one stimulus fund recipient.
Lawsuits
Northwest Montana Logging Projects Challenged Over Bears
BILLINGS – An environmental group is seeking to stop three logging projects on several thousand acres in northwest Montana, arguing that the timber sales would harm the area's fledgling grizzly bear population.
The Alliance for the Wild Rockies filed a federal lawsuit Monday to block the projects in the Kootenai National Forest, which are designed in part to reduce fire danger and provide commercial logging opportunities.
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The Alliance for the Wild Rockies filed a federal lawsuit Monday to block the projects in the Kootenai National Forest, which are designed in part to reduce fire danger and provide commercial logging opportunities.
Home Starts
October Home Construction, Permits Fall Unexpectedly
WASHINGTON – Construction of new homes unexpectedly plunged last month, as builders waited to see whether lawmakers would extend a tax credit for homebuyers.
The results show how much the housing market has been relying on government support for its fledgling recovery. The tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time owners was due to expire on Nov. 30, but Congress voted to extend it earlier this month and expand it to more buyers, after intense pressure from real estate agents and homebuilders.
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The results show how much the housing market has been relying on government support for its fledgling recovery. The tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time owners was due to expire on Nov. 30, but Congress voted to extend it earlier this month and expand it to more buyers, after intense pressure from real estate agents and homebuilders.
Unemployment Benefits
2,000 Unemployed Montanans Eligible for Expanded Benefits
HELENA – The state has notified about 2,000 jobless Montanans whose unemployment benefits have expired that they are now eligible for extended payments under a recently passed federal law.
Montana's Department of Labor and Industry sent letters last week informing people of their eligibility for one more week of tier 2 unemployment benefits and up to 13 weeks of the newly created tier 3 benefits. Tier 2 benefits were extended to up to 14 weeks from the previous 13 weeks.
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Montana's Department of Labor and Industry sent letters last week informing people of their eligibility for one more week of tier 2 unemployment benefits and up to 13 weeks of the newly created tier 3 benefits. Tier 2 benefits were extended to up to 14 weeks from the previous 13 weeks.
