Office of the Governor

2015 Biennium - Goals and Objectives

Executive Office of the Governor

The Governor will carry out the executive power vested by the Montana Constitution and see that the laws of the state are faithfully executed.

The Governor will appoint and supervise the directors of each executive department. The Governor’s cabinet will continue to meet regularly as a team. Directors will meet with the Governor and Chief of Staff to develop and execute consistent management for the effective and efficient delivery of services to the citizens of the State of Montana.

In accordance with constitutional and statutory requirements, the Governor will submit to the legislature a budget detailing expenditures and revenues. That budget will permit the State of Montana to continue to live within its means and will offer sustainable solutions to fund state services. It will continue to emphasize the state’s responsibility to the least and the last of its citizens and provide for the fair and consistent collection of state tax revenues.

The Governor, as mandated by the Constitution, will give information to the legislature and recommend measures he considers needed and suitable. Those measures will be founded on the principles of sustainability, efficiency and effectiveness.

The Governor will sign, issue amendatory vetoes or veto legislation presented by the Legislature. He will convene the Legislature in special session if necessary.

The Governor will carry out the duties of commander-in-chief of the militia forces of the state and, if necessary, call out any part of those forces as prescribed by the Constitution and statutes. The Governor will advocate at executive and congressional levels on behalf of Montana’s National Guard and its missions at home and abroad.

The Governor will make appointments to Boards and Commissions as required by law and establish those advisory councils he deems necessary. The Governor will continue to make appointments that ensure a diversity of membership that appropriately reflects the population demographics of Montana at large.

Program: Office of Economic Development

The Office will advise the Governor on policy issues related to economic development; assist the Governor in accomplishing his economic development initiatives; lead the state's business recruitment, retention, and expansion efforts; coordinate the development and distribution of a statewide coordinated strategic economic development marketing plan; and serve as the state's primary economic development liaison between federal, state, and local agencies, Montana tribal governments, private, nonprofit economic development organizations, and the private sector. In doing so, the office will focus on infrastructure development, technology development, workforce development, marketing and recruitment, permitting and regulatory issues, energy development and capital development.

Program: Office of the Lieutenant Governor

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor will carry out the duties prescribed in Montana’s Constitution and statutes. He will continue to represent and assist the Governor at his request.

Program: Office of Budget and Program Planning

The Office of Budget and Program Planning will plan a sustainable budget for the 2017 biennium in detail and 2019 biennium at a high level and meet the following objectives:

1. Track and manage general fund cash and fund balance through the 2015 biennium
2. Evaluate expenditures and revenues for sustainability into the future
3. Evaluate all policy issues and concerns for fiscal implications

Program: Office of the Citizens’ Advocate

The Citizens’ Advocate will continue to be the open door to ease Montanans’ access to their government, its programs, its administrators and its documents. Access will continue to be offered in person, by toll-free telephone, and by internet access through a website. The staff of the office will timely respond to Montanans and, as appropriate, “advocate” on behalf of citizens experiencing difficulty in their dealings with agencies or departments of state government.

Program: Office of Indian Affairs

The Director of Indian Affairs serves as the Governor’s Ambassador to the Tribal Nations of Montana. The Director will assist the Governor in developing and implementing the policies of the executive branch in its relationships with the Tribal Nations. The Director will advise the Governor and the members of Montana’s congressional delegation, if requested, on matters relating to Tribal Nations and act as a spokesperson for Montana’s Indian people when requested.

Program: Governor’s Residence Maintenance

The Governor’s residence will be properly managed, maintained, equipped, and stocked for the Governor, his family, and the official public functions hosted there.

Program: Air Transportation Program

The Governor will be provided with the necessary air transportation for the safe and efficient performance of his public duties.

Program: Mental Health Ombudsman

The Mental Health Ombudsman will continue to work to improve Montana citizens’ access to public mental health services and to services provided when citizens are transitioning from public to private services. The ombudsman will provide an annual report to the Governor and to the Legislature, and may make recommendations regarding the mental health system.

Program: Mental Disabilities Board of Visitors

To meet the statutory requirements assigned to the Board of Visitors the following are the goals of the Board and its staff will:

• actively engage with Montana’s mental health facilities and with the Montana Developmental Center through site reviews and ongoing dialogue regarding treatment improvement.
• actively support consumers and family members in their requests for assistance.
• participate in activities that promote mental health system transformation.