Governor Gianforte Highlights Support for Montana Veterans

Kicks off Invest in Veterans Week in Montana

• March 04 2024

HELENA, Mont. – Kicking off Invest in Veterans Week, Governor Greg Gianforte today convened a roundtable discussion with veterans, advocates, and support organizations to highlight recent investments and the importance of community support for Montana veterans and their families.

“After serving our country in uniform, many Montana veterans operate small businesses, farms, and ranches across our state, creating good-paying jobs, strengthening our economy, and expanding opportunities for Montanans,” Gov. Gianforte said. “It’s great to join together with veterans and community leaders to discuss the investments we’ve made to support our veterans and tear down barriers as they transition to civilian life.”

Gov. Gianforte discussing ways to support Montana veterans during a roundtable in Helena

At 1889 Coffee House, a veteran-owned business in Helena, the governor joined Montana’s Adjutant General Major General Hronek to hear from the group on the importance of increasing employment and retirement support for Montana’s veterans.

“I want to thank the community for all they do for our business so that we can support our veterans and veteran organizations through not just monetary donations but a comfortable place for our veterans to come and hang out,” 1889 owner Brett Wiensch said. “We are now doing a Tuesday coffee hour from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. Any veteran can come and enjoy some free coffee, drinks, and time spent with friends.”

Speaking to the value of community support, Impact Montana Executive Director Ryan Luchau shared, “We want to see this dynamic population thriving and, unfortunately, a lot of folks can’t thrive after service. We are there to walk along in the journey with them and offer a hand up.”

Impact Montana focuses on promoting the physical, career, family, social, financial, and spiritual health and wellness of service members, veterans, first responders, and their families. The governor in December was proud to spotlight their organization during his 12 Days of Giving campaign.

Since taking office, Gov. Gianforte has prioritized and supported Montana’s veterans. In 2023, the governor signed into law Senate Bill 104, sponsored by Sen. John Fuller, R-Kalispell, to exempt up to 50 percent of military retirement pay from the state income tax. In addition, the governor signed legislation from Rep. Brad Barker, R-Luther, that established educator licensing reciprocity for military members, military spouses, and veterans.

Another reform, carried in legislation from Rep. Brad Barker, R-Luther, created educator licensing reciprocity for military members, military spouses, and veterans.

Hearing from Great Falls Public Schools educator and veteran Pete Pace, the governor heard about the new law’s impact on combatting teacher shortages and its support for veterans and their families.

“Previously there were too many hurdles for incoming teachers teaching in other areas or having a degree in other disciplines to become teachers in Montana,” Pace said. “This legislation is going to help school districts employ teachers that are very well qualified fill some of the jobs in our schools.”

Concluding the roundtable, the governor shared, “As we get ready for the next legislative session, I look forward to working with partners like all of you to see how we can continue to make valuable investments for our nation’s heroes.”