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Capitol Talk is MTPR's weekly legislative news and analysis program. MTPR's Sally Mauk is joined by Montana Free Press State Editor Holly Michels and Lee Banville, Director of the University of Montan... more
FAQs about Capitol Talk:How many episodes does Capitol Talk have?The podcast currently has 89 episodes available.
February 22, 2025Medicaid expansion advances; U.S. reps praise Trump's cuts; Church & state remain separateSenate Republicans continue to split votes on key issues; Medicaid expansion is well on its way to passage; Montana's congressional delegation isn't concerned — yet — about federal workers being fired; And Montana public school classrooms won't be displaying the Ten Commandments....more14minPlay
February 15, 2025The Gulf of What? Bathroom laws take priority; Republicans take aim at climate rulesPress freedom and press access are at stake in the fight over the Gulf of Mexico's name. Legislators want to make sure you use the right bathroom. A climate change court ruling is behind several bills to change Montana's environmental laws. And Republican lawmakers join Vice President Vance in making fun of climate activist Greta Thunberg....more15minPlay
February 08, 2025Drama in the Senate; Trans sports ban resurfaces; Sheehy backs MuskMore hard feelings erupt in the state Senate. State lawmakers appear poised to ban trans women from competing in women's sports. And Sen. Tim Sheehy says Elon Musk is doing a great job....more14minPlay
February 01, 2025Federal funding in limbo; Senate opens ethics probe; Medicaid expansion debate beginsThreatened cuts to federal funding have Montana organizations anxious. The state Senate gears up for an ethics investigation. Medicaid expansion bills advance. The Democratic party is looking for a new leader. And state workers — and legislators — would get a pay raise under a proposed new pay plan....more14minPlay
January 25, 2025No-bid contract exposed; Court affirms public's right to know; Jan. 6 rioters go freeA Republican state senator is in trouble for a questionable no-bid contract. Courts side with the Montana press in legislative transparency case. And Montanans imprisoned for attacking the Capitol on January 6th are freed by the new Administration....more14minPlay
January 18, 2025Capitol Talk: Lawmakers debate bathrooms and homesteads. Sheehy wedges-in his jokeGender identity and anti-trans legislation are a repeat focus this session. Lawmakers begin work on property tax changes. The governor is quiet about Medicaid expansion. Sen. Sheehy wants to know how many pushups the Secretary of Defense nominee can do....more15minPlay
January 11, 2025Capitol Talk: Week 1 brings a contentious start and familiar themesThe first week of the 2025 Legislature gets off to a contentious start. Gov. Gianforte invites Elon Musk to Montana. Legislative leaders plan to revive efforts to change the judiciary. Newly sworn-in Senator Tim Sheehy is wasting no time making a splash. Retiring Congressman Matt Rosendale makes a quiet exit....more20minPlay
May 06, 2023A contentious legislative session ends. Will it mark a turning point in Montana politics?Republican lawmakers say they delivered for Montanans. Democrats say they kept a lot of bad things off the books. The Regier family reigned over much of the action. And this session marked a political turning point — but in what direction?...more14minPlay
April 29, 2023The Legislature makes the national news again and the mood at the Capitol turns sourRepublicans ban a trans lawmaker from the House floor, putting Montana in the national news spotlight. Meanwhile, much work remains on the budget as the end of the session approaches....more14minPlay
April 22, 2023Citing decorum, Republicans shut down transgender lawmaker; 'Jungle primary' bill failsRepublicans try to silence transgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyr. Anti-trans bills are on their way to becoming law. Lawmakers table a bill to create a one-time "jungle primary" in next year's Senate race. The defeat of that bill may have political fallout for Senator Steve Daines....more14minPlay
FAQs about Capitol Talk:How many episodes does Capitol Talk have?The podcast currently has 89 episodes available.