Gov. Gianforte Continues 56 County Tour in Phillips, Valley, and Garfield Counties

Governor's Office

JORDAN, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte today continued his annual 56 County Tour, meeting with students, teachers, job creators, agriculture producers, and healthcare providers in Phillips, Valley, and Garfield counties.

"It's great to be back in northeast Montana to recognize those who keep our rural communities and economies strong," Gov. Gianforte said. "The 56 County Tour gives me the opportunity to meet with those who know their community best and are working to ensure Montana remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family."

Governor and First Lady Gianforte meeting with students at Malta High School

Traveling to Phillips County, the governor met with students at Malta High School to recognize their involvement in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. The high school offers classes in agriculture, family and consumer sciences, FFA, and shop. CTE programs are offered in public schools across Montana for K-12 students to explore a wide range of careers and post-secondary education options.

Since taking office, the governor has prioritized promoting trades education and increasing access to individualized, work-based learning opportunities to strengthen Montana's workforce and prepare students for careers or continuing education. In 2021, the governor authorized every school district in the state to establish individualized, work-based learning paths for students. In 2023, a record number of Montana high school students received college credit in CTE program, with more than 3,300 students participating.

"The Career and Technical Education classes here at Malta are helping me learn more about what I want to do after I graduate," said AJ Marquis, Malta High School senior. "We are lucky to have such great opportunities here to learn more about our future careers and can go to college or to work with some experience under our belts."

Continuing to Valley County, Gov. Gianforte visited a small business in Glasgow adding value to Montana agriculture products, selling fresh, locally-raised meat, eggs, dairy, and produce. The store features bread products from Grains of Montana, beef processed at the Montana Premium Processing Co-op, and dairy products from Kalispell creamery.

Wrapping up the day in Garfield County, the governor toured the construction of the Sugg Primary Care Clinic in Jordan to recognize the importance of expanding access to rural health care in Montana.

In December, Gov. Gianforte and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services announced a historic $233 million investment from the Trump administration to stabilize and modernize rural health care delivery throughout Montana. The funding will directly support the department's objectives to stabilize hospitals and increase access to healthcare in rural communities including through workforce development and expanding telehealth services.

The primary care clinic in Jordan will be the second location with the first location in Glasgow.

"Access to healthcare, especially in rural areas like Jordan is vital to the health and wellness of our neighbors. I'm proud to play a part in supporting our community and thank Governor Gianforte for his work to increase access to rural healthcare," Paige Stanton, Nurse Practitioner at Sugg Primary Care in Glasgow and Jordan.

The governor tomorrow will continue his 56 County Tour in McCone, Daniels, Sheridan, Roosevelt, and Richland counties

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