HELENA — Medicaid expansion and preschool funding are among the expected themes Gov. Steve Bullock will highlight in his State of the State address to lawmakers Wednesday evening.
Bullock is calling on the Legislature to approve his proposals for Medicaid expansion, infrastructure projects and state-sponsored preschool. He also wants to leave $300 million in the bank for unforeseen expenses.
The Democrat from Helena is in his first term as governor and is fundraising for a 2016 re-election campaign.
Bullock also has called for investment in broadband expansion and education infrastructure, insisting they will pay off for generations of Montanans.
Leaders of the Republican-controlled legislature have indicated they are willing to work with the governor on infrastructure needs but have given a chilly reception to Medicaid expansion and state-funded preschool for 4-year-olds.
Already this session, Republicans have tabled a proposal to raise the minimum wage, now at $8.05 an hour, and have advanced two bills that would reduce state taxes by more than $120 million over two years.
Bullock is pushing for a $391 million infrastructure plan, part of which would target the Bakken oil boom region. About two-thirds of the package would be funded through bonding with the rest paid for in cash.
Republican lawmakers have also pushed for infrastructure investment, giving hope that a bill will pass this session. Some, though, are asking for a hard look at the cost.
Minority Democrats support the governor’s proposals and are pushing solar energy expansion and water protection at oil and gas sites in Montana.