Greetings! Here are the topics for today’s column:

• Big Beautiful Bill
• Updated Property Valuations
• Trump’s Official Fragrances
• Alligator Alcatraz
• One More Thing

BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL:

The “Big Beautiful Bill” passed the U.S. Senate by a vote of 50-50, with the Vice President casting the tie-breaking vote. Montana’s two U.S. Senators, Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy, voted for the bill. (Source) 

The Associated Press (AP) is reporting that the bill has to pass the House again before Trump can sign it into law, and the difficulty for Republicans is not expected to let up. Speaker Mike Johnson warned senators not to deviate too far from what his chamber had already approved. But the Senate did make changes, particularly to Medicaid, risking more problems as they race to finish by Trump’s Fourth of July deadline.

So now we wait to see what happens. 

UPDATED PROPERTY VALUATIONS:

Prepare yourself! The updated property valuations from the Montana Department of Revenue are heading to Montana property owners. 

According to the Montana Free Press, the mailed notices tee up a 30-day period in which property owners can appeal their valuations, which will likely rise for most residential properties as a result of widespread home value growth in Montana between 2022 and 2024. 

I am not looking forward to receiving this notice. Between the state and local governments here in Cascade County and Great Falls, taxpayers are getting hit pretty hard. We need to elect people who will stop the madness. 

TRUMP’S OFFICIAL FRAGRANCES:

In case you missed it, President Donald Trump is hawking two new fragrances that are part of the “Fight Fight Fight Collection.” 

According to the website:

For Patriots who never back down, like President Trump.  This scent is your rallying cry in a bottle. Featuring Trump’s iconic image and raised fist, this limited-edition cologne embodies strength, power, and victory.

The Trump Limited Edition 45-47 Victory perfume and cologne (3.3 FL OZ) costs $249, but if you buy two, you can save $100.  

Beam me up, Scotty! 

ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ:

I listened to President Trump give suggestions on how detainees can escape being eaten by alligators if they are housed at Alligator Alcatraz in Florida, and they try to escape. 

The basic concept relayed by the President is “Don’t run in a straight line.” (Source)

That’s our President. Incredible.  

ONE MORE THING:

A tip for Independence Day…

Guys with an eye patch and three fingers sell the best fireworks. 

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