Governor Gianforte Hosts Town Hall in Eureka

Recognizes veterans, 99-year-old landowner participating in Block Management

• June 08 2023

EUREKA, Mont. – Rounding out the first day of his third annual 56 County Tour, Governor Greg Gianforte tonight hosted a town hall discussion with residents in Eureka.

“On the road last year, we heard from Montanans across our state and built our Budget for Montana Families based on their priorities,” Gov. Gianforte said. “It’s great to be back in Eureka tonight to share in our successes and hear from folks again as we make Montana an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Gov. Gianforte taking questions at a town hall meeting in Eureka

Small business owners, veterans, law enforcement officers, loggers, and other Lincoln County residents joined the governor and first lady for the town hall at North Point Bar.

“You should keep more of what you earn,” the governor said. “That’s why I’m proud we delivered the largest tax cut in Montana history this session.”

Through rebates and permanent, long-term tax relief, Gov. Gianforte provided Montanans over $1 billion in income and property tax relief this legislative session.

In addition to tax relief, the governor also fielded questions on forest management, parental choice in education, the crisis at the southern border, and new laws to crack down on foreign adversaries.

“Sounds to me like we’re leading the nation in common sense,” a Eureka resident remarked.

Joined by the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Mike Cuffe, R-Eureka, the governor also ceremonially signed Senate Bill 3 which supports the forest products industry.

Gov. Gianforte after ceremonially signing Senate Bill 3 with bill sponsor Sen. Cuffe

While in Lincoln County, the governor presented the Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation to two local veterans.

U.S. Air Force veteran Terry Ray Beezley and U.S. Army veteran Rick Weldon both served in the Vietnam War. Weldon went on to serve in the Gulf War and in Bosnia. Both veterans are active members of VFW Post #6786, with Weldon serving as Commander.

“Our debt to Terry and Rick can never be repaid, but we can say thank you. That’s what this award is all about,” the governor said.

Finally, Gov. Gianforte presented his Spirit of Montana award to Mary Louise Peters, a 99-year-old landowner participating in Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ Block Management Program.

Meeting Mary Louise in her home, the governor said, “Your generosity has filled quite a few freezers over the years. Thanks for being a good landowner partner to FWP and an even better neighbor to Montanans.”

Gov. Gianforte presenting the Spirit of Montana award to Mary Louise Peters

Montanans can learn more about the Spirit of Montana award at governor.mt.gov/Contact/SpiritofMontanaAward.

The governor’s 56 County Tour continues tomorrow in northwest Montana.