Citing Montanans’ resiliency amid the pandemic, Gianforte concluded his remarks, saying, “Montanans can be proud of the work they’ve done to overcome this pandemic and take care of themselves and each other. Working together, we have come through this stronger on the other side.”
In making the announcement, the governor cited the dramatic decline in new cases and hospitalizations in the last six months as well as Montana’s progress in administering vaccines. To date, Montanans have administered over 860,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with more than 425,000 Montanans fully immunized.
Encouraging Montanans to choose to get the vaccine, the governor added, “The vaccines are safe, effective, free, and easy to get. They continue to be our best path forward.”
The governor also cited progress in getting Montana’s economy going again, getting Montana open for business, and getting Montanans back to work.
Montana was the first state in the nation to announce it was fully opting out of the federal unemployment benefit programs enacted since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-four other states have followed Montana’s lead.
To help Montanans reenter the workforce, the governor also launched a return-to-work bonus program. Return-to-work bonuses will be paid to unemployed individuals who rejoin the workforce and accept and maintain steady employment for at least one month.
In May, Montana’s unemployment rate continued to decline, falling to 3.6 percent from 4.0 percent in January.
