Governor Gianforte Continues 56 County Tour in Central Montana

• June 04 2025

LEWISTOWN, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte yesterday rounded out the next swing of his fifth annual 56 County Tour as governor, meeting with legislators, business owners, and community members in Golden Valley, Wheatland, and Fergus counties.

“The strength of our rural communities is thanks to the leadership of legislators, the small business owners who invest in our economy, and the parents and educators who bring up the next generation,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As we continue our 56 County Tour in central Montana, it’s great to highlight the Montanans who make our state stronger.”

Gov. Gianforte with Rep. Greg Oblander (right) and the Ryegate Public School Superintendent (left) in Ryegate

Traveling to Golden Valley County, the governor joined Rep. Greg Oblander, R-Billings, for a visit to Ryegate School to ceremonially sign House Bill 591 and establish the last week of September as Freedom Week in Montana’s public schools for students to learn about the history and guiding documents of our state and country.

Gov. Gianforte has been a strong proponent for civics and personal finance education for Montana students. At the governor’s request, the Montana Board of Public Education (BPE) added civics and financial literacy courses as requirements for high school graduation.

Promoting civics education, the governor signed last session signed House Bill 377, sponsored by Rep. Linda Reksten, R-Polson, to establish the Montana 250th Commission. In addition to planning and implementing a state program to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, the commission works with education leaders to promote civics education in Montana schools.

During the visit, the governor also ceremonially signed House Bill 655, also sponsored by Rep. Oblander, the Keep Kids First Act, that prevents discriminatory action against any faith-based organization that provides adoption or foster care services.

Gov. Gianforte visitng Crazy Mountain Veterinary Service in Harlowton

Continuing to Wheatland County, the governor highlighted the success of Montana’s Registered Apprenticeship program at Crazy Mountain Veterinary Service in Harlowton. The business is the only vet clinic in Montana offering an apprenticeship program. Participating students take college courses and spend two years with the clinic before testing to become a certified technician.

Increasing the number of apprentices in Montana has been a top priority for Gov. Gianforte. In 2024, a record number of new apprentices were added in Montana thanks to a rule change supported by the governor in his first year in office to allow one journeyman to supervise two apprentices.

Gov. Gianforte signing a bill with Rep. Randyn Gregg in Lewistown

Rounding out the day in Fergus County, the governor joined Rep. Randyn Gregg, R-White Sulphur Springs, for a bill signing ceremony in Lewistown to celebrate House Bill 778.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Gregg, ensures consistency in Montana’s education laws for homeschooling. Visiting with community members, homeschool families, and advocates, the governor celebrated the bill and promoted other wins from the recent legislative session, including the largest income tax cut in state history and property tax reform.

The governor today continues his 56 County Tour in Judtih Basin and Meagher counties.

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