Data Stories Have Real Impact: The Montana Budget and Policy Center

We support the Montana Budget & Policy Center for its deep commitment to making fiscal policy accessible and inclusive. Their work helps ensure that those most impacted by economic decisions have the tools, knowledge, and power to shape policies that serve their communities. - High Stakes Foundation

Founded in 2008, the Montana Budget and Policy Center (MBPC) was created to bring thoughtful, independent research to Montana’s public policy conversations. Born from a need for clear, accessible analysis on issues like taxes, the state budget, health care, and education, MBPC quickly became a trusted resource for lawmakers, advocates, and everyday Montanans who want to understand how public decisions affect their lives.

Over the years, MBPC has focused on lifting up the voices of those often left out of policy discussions—particularly Indigenous communities, low-income families, and rural Montanans. They’ve helped shape legislation that expanded Medicaid, protected public school funding, and made Montana’s tax system more fair and transparent. Their reports don’t just sit on a shelf; they get cited in legislative debates, news stories, and community meetings across the state.

MBPC’s impact goes beyond policy wins. They’ve helped build a more informed and engaged public, offering webinars, workshops, and one-on-one support to organizations and tribes across Montana. They’ve grown into a team of economists, policy analysts, and community advocates who bring both heart and rigor to the work.

MBPC believes change happens when policymakers, the public, the media, organizers, and partners understand how state budget, tax, and revenue impact communities and when individuals can advocate on their own behalf and build power. In a state where numbers can feel distant from people’s real lives, MBPC bridges that gap—turning data into stories, and stories into change.

High Stakes has been a long-time partner in our work to lift up public policies that support Montana families and children. We are so grateful for High Stakes support and the recognition that policy work can make a meaningful difference for our communities. - Heather O’Loughlin, Executive Director MBPC

Mission: Montana Budget and Policy Center Mission: to advance responsible tax, budget, and economic policies through credible research and analysis in order to promote opportunity and fairness for all Montanans.

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MBPC News

Montana Budget and Policy Center and the 2025  Legislative session:

The 2025 legislative session (January – May) resulted in some significant wins for MBPC and partners, including proactive legislation to continue Medicaid expansion and the Montana Indian Child Welfare Act, new investments in child care and housing, and the protection of revenue through an ongoing statewide trust. Over the course of the 2025 legislative session, MBPC weighed in on 100 bills and conducted grassroots engagement on 16 of these bills. MBPC’s research and advocacy work was cited in 58 news articles, and MBPC produced hundreds of social media graphics and other content used during the session.