Montana Ranked Fourth Best State for Regulatory Freedom

Governor Greg Gianforte recently emphasized a report from the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, which identifies Montana as one of the least regulated states in the country. The report ranks Montana fourth, following North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho, citing the state’s efforts to reduce regulatory burdens.

Governor Gianforte stated that cutting red tape has been a priority, aiming to help Montanans thrive despite the challenges posed by inflation. He noted that Montana is leading the nation in job and wage growth, attributing this success to regulatory reforms.

Since taking office, Gianforte has focused on alleviating regulations, particularly for small business owners. A recent report from the Frontier Institute revealed that approximately one-fifth of the state’s regulations have been eliminated or amended during his tenure.

In his first week as governor, Gianforte established the Red Tape Relief Task Force to comprehensively review regulations across state agencies. Under the leadership of Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras, the task force collaborated with lawmakers to introduce 188 bills aimed at reducing red tape during the last legislative session, with over 170 of those bills signed into law. These measures are designed to simplify government processes and create more opportunities for residents.

Dr. Patrick A. McLaughlin from the Mercatus Center commented on the benefits of reducing unnecessary regulations, noting that states like Montana are leading the way in identifying and eliminating red tape.

According to the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, the state added 8,700 jobs last year and ranks second in the nation for the fastest wage growth since 2020, with the average wage for workers reaching $57,230 in 2023—a 5% increase from the previous year. Notably, Montana is one of only two states where wage growth has outpaced inflation since 2020.

In addition to regulatory reforms, Governor Gianforte has worked with the legislature to implement the largest tax cut in state history, providing relief for Montanans at all income levels and addressing property tax concerns. The governor’s efforts to reform the state’s tax code aim to foster business investment and job creation, further attracting companies to Montana.

Read the full report from the Mercatus Center here.

By: DNU staff