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Twin Bridges Road bridge is in imminent danger of collapse into the water BILLINGS – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks closed a 200-yard stretch of the Yellowstone River east of Reed Point Monday because an old highway bridge is in imminent danger of collapsing into the water. The Montana Department of Transportation informed FWP this week that the Twin Bridges Road bridge over the Yellowstone River is subject to imminent failure. The closure for 100 yards upstream and downstream of the bridge will remain in effect until FWP determines that the river is safe for boaters and water users. Timing will depend on when the bridge either fails or is demolished and removed by the Department of Transportation. Signs on the site informing people of the closure will be removed when the river is ready to reopen to public use. The old highway bridge is immediately upstream from the I-90 bridge across the Yellowstone River between Reed Point and Columbus. It parallels an active railroad bridge, hence the Twin Bridges or Two Bridges name. While it is not an official public access to the river, boaters use a sandbar beneath the bridge to launch and retrieve their boats. The closest public places to launch boats are upstream at Indian Fort Fishing Access Site at Reed Point and downstream at the Holmgren Ranch Fishing Access Site west of Columbus.

Inspired by their commitment to higher education, Steve and Gretchen Burke have provided a generous gift to the University of Montana Western in support of the Fund for Experience One. This fund was established in 2015 by Chancellor Beth Weatherby and her husband, Dr. Steve Kramer, in celebration of Montana Western’s ten-year anniversary of the implementation of Experience One. This recent gift from the Burkes in the amount of $250,000, along with additional gifts that have been received since 2015, will be utilized to endow the fund into perpetuity and provide current use funding. Montana Western transitioned to Experience One over fifteen years ago and the results have been extraordinary. The Fund for Experience One supports faculty in strengthening curricular and co-curricular offerings by providing funding for authentic student experiences. Montana Western is the only U.S. public four-year university offering Experience One, a program where students take a single course at a time and learn by doing. “We are deeply grateful for Steve and Gretchen’s investment in our university and Experience One,” says UMW Chancellor Beth Weatherby. “The Burkes have made an impact on our campus that will be felt by our faculty and students for many years. Their investment in innovative experiential education will give our students an advantage as they move into the work-force or continue to graduate school.” This gift was announced to campus at the onset of the academic year in order to distribute funds for the fall 2020 semester. Three awards were provided in the fall and faculty are preparing to submit proposals for the spring semester. The Burkes have been life-long proponents of higher education and feel fortunate to be able to show their support of Chancellor Weatherby and Montana Western. “We were inspired to provide a gift in support of Experience One. We are true believers that education makes opportunities possible. Support of an innovative educational model such as Experience One is an exciting investment,” said Gretchen Burke. Students will be the clear beneficiaries of this philanthropic support. In addition to providing student-centered experiential learning opportunities, the Fund for Experience One will augment departmental funding and help hold student course fees to a minimum. Read more about the unique opportunities of Experience One at umwestern.edu/stories/ .

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced his nomination of Henry “Hank” Worsech to lead the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP). “Protecting our public lands and conserving wildlife is a shared priority of landowners, hunters, anglers, and all Montanans who cherish our outdoor heritage. It’s part of what defines our Montana way of life,” Governor Gianforte said. “With nearly two decades of experience with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Hank understands the importance of this tradition and is committed to strengthening it.” A public servant for nearly three decades, Worsech most recently served as a license bureau chief for the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Over his 17 years with the department, Worsech helped foster landowner and sportsmen relations, worked closely with department management over two administrations, and oversaw department licensing to advance FWP’s mission. “It’s a true honor to be selected as the Director of Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, and I look forward to working alongside the great employees once again. I am excited to work with such a proven leader as Governor Gianforte and his team to provide improved citizen services, expand access opportunities, and build strong landowner-sportsmen relationships. We’ll deliver on the governor’s call to reach our full potential by providing the citizens of Montana unsurpassed outdoor experiences,” said Hank Worsech, Gianforte’s nominee to lead the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. A Marine Corps veteran, Worsech settled in Montana over 30 years ago after being discharged from his duties as an administrative and legal chief for the service. Gianforte’s appointment of Worsech received widespread support among stakeholders. Rob Arnaud, president of the Montana Hunting Company: “I have known Hank for many years and have always been impressed with his ability to think beyond the obvious. He is quick-on-his-feet and easy to like. He has the ability to reason with anyone. These are talents of true leaders. I truly believe Hank can make the necessary decisions to usher FWP into a new era.” Ed Beall, owner of Capital Sports & Western; bowhunter ed instructor: “I am excited to know that Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks will be led by a person with a very broad understanding of the many challenges we face with our incredible wildlife, habitats and relationships. Importantly, Hank Worsech has shown the fortitude to gather the information and the partners together to bring positive results. I have worked with Hank on licensing, funding, legislative, hunter access and landowner relations and I can tell you he is very dedicated to our wildlife and the people of our great state who cherish our hunting, fishing, working lands and conservation heritage. He knows the mission, the history and the people. I know Hank will listen to all his customers and do his best on our behalf.” Matt Lumley, vice president of the National Trappers Association: “I’m very excited about the appointment of Hank Worsech as the director of Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Hank will bring a dirt under the fingernails, man of the people sound wildlife management philosophy, as well as a culture of customer service that has been missing at the department.” Noah Marion, state director of the Montana Wilderness Association: “We’re pleased that Gov. Gianforte has nominated Hank Worsech to lead the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Hank has deep knowledge of the department and the issues facing landowners, recreationists, and wildlife in Montana. We’re confident that he will bring diverse interests to the table and work to build lasting solutions that will safeguard our parks, trails, and access to wildlife and wild places for all Montanans. We look forward to working with him in this new position.” Glenn Marx, executive director of Montana Association of Land Trusts: “It’s good to see the governor selected someone who fully understands the importance of fish and wildlife management, and understands the importance of land and wildlife conservation. Hank knows FWP issues, the department’s constituency, Montana and Montanans, and is a FWP veteran. FWP and its mission are essential to Montana’s economy and outdoor recreational experiences, and we in the land trust community look forward to working with Hank and FWP on projects and efforts that benefit conservation and outdoor recreation.” Jim Steinbeisser, president of Montana Stockgrowers Association: “Hank Worsech brings an array of experience and skills needed to lead FWP. He has a strong background of working with landowners, which will allow for a balanced approach in wildlife management moving into the future.” Kyle Weaver, president and CEO of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation: “The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation congratulates Hank Worsech on his selection to be the next director of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. RMEF has had the pleasure of successfully working with Hank in the past, particularly around the issues of elk and hunter access. Hank fills a position vitally important to RMEF members in Montana and we look forward to continuing our close working relationship.”

Wally is back with his video series Did You Know Dillon, MT. But this time we have changed it to Did You Know Southwestern Mt. With a longer format and an in studio setting Wally and Jeremy will pick a topic, then discuss the history of said topic. This week they have chosen Henry Plumer, along with his past and what lead him to Bannack and the night that will fore ever be in history. We will release a new video every other week. Not only will this be in video format, but it will also be in a podcast format as well. We hope you enjoy the show.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 5 AM MST FRIDAY... WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 2 inches at lower elevations, and 2 to 4 inches in the mountains. WHERE...Beaverhead. WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 5 AM MST Friday. IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. This snowfall will affect the evening commute today. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 511.

PHASE 1B COVID-19 VACCINATIONS BEAVERHEAD COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH IS NOW TAKING APPOINTMENTS FOR THE FOLLOWING CLINICS: 12:00pm - 5:00pm FRIDAY, JANUARY 29TH FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH Please Call: 406-683-3203 Should have voicemail soon, please be patient. PHASE 1B RECIPIENTS INCLUDE: ● Persons aged 70 years old and older ● American Indians & other people of color who may be at elevated risk for COVID-19 complications ● Persons 18-69 with certain high-risk medical conditions (specific conditions found at https://dphhs.mt.gov/.../cdepi/diseases/coronavirusvaccine ) Rural clinics will be scheduled at a later date in Lima, Wisdom, and Wise River. More details to follow.

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced his nomination of Adam Meier to lead the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. “As Montana continues to confront the pandemic and the epidemic of addiction and drug use, an innovative, solutions-oriented Department of Public Health and Human Services has never been more important,” Governor Gianforte said. “With his strong background as an effective leader and change agent, Adam will bring greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency to DPHHS as it serves Montanans.” As a partner and senior policy consultant with Connecting the Dots Policy Solutions, LLC, Adam Meier assisted clients in health, human services, education, and workforce policy, focusing on breaking down operational siloes to maximize program outcomes. From May 2018 through December 2019, Meier led the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) as secretary. Under his leadership, CHFS undertook significant cross-cabinet reforms in the areas of health policy, child welfare, substance use disorder response, and public benefits delivery. He was responsible for strategic planning and daily operational oversight of a cabinet with more than 8,000 employees and an annual budget of over $14 billion. “I am humbled and honored to join the outstanding team Governor Gianforte has assembled, along with the dedicated and talented DPHHS workforce. Together, along with other key stakeholders, we will work to build a more cohesive and effective health and human services ecosystem and improve outcomes for Montana’s most vulnerable citizens,” said Adam Meier, Gianforte’s nominee to lead the Department of Public Health and Human Services. Meier also served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Matt Bevin in Kentucky, responsible for oversight and coordination for all policy matters. In addition, Adam has experience at the federal level, having served at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a contracting officer, and at the elected local government level, where he served on the Fort Thomas City Council. Leaders from Montana and Kentucky offered support of Meier’s nomination. Kurt Alme, budget director at the Governor’s Office of Budget and Program Planning: “With his broad experience in health and human services, including serving as the director of that agency in Kentucky, Adam brings the experience and skills needed to ensure our safety net for those most in need is secure and that taxpayer funds are efficiently spent.” Marilynn Bartlett, CPA, senior policy fellow with the National Academy of State Healthy Policy: “Adam Meier has a strong background in health and human services programs, policy and funding. His leadership experience in the operations of public health programs, Medicaid, safety-net programs, behavioral health, family and child services, and substance abuse are directly applicable to the Montana DPHHS.” The Honorable Kimberly Moser, Health and Family Services Committee Chair in the Kentucky House of Representatives: “As the Heath and Family Services Committee Chair in the Kentucky House of Representatives, I worked closely with Adam on a number of issues. He demonstrated great organizational leadership, policy innovation and fiscal discipline navigating a very challenging budget during his time as cabinet secretary. He is someone whose opinion on such matters I always valued, and he cares deeply about the mission and the populations being served. Adam will be a great asset to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.”

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced that Montana is moving into Phase 1B of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan. In Phase 1B, COVID-19 vaccines are available to Montanans 70 years of age and older, 16 to 69 years of age with a high-risk medical condition, and Native Americans and other persons of color who may be at elevated risk for COVID-19 complications. “Focusing on the most vulnerable Montanans in our vaccine distribution will save lives. Thanks to the hard work of our local health jurisdictions and health care workers, Montana’s most vulnerable now have access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines,” Governor Gianforte said. On his second full day in office, Governor Gianforte changed the state’s vaccine distribution plan to prioritize and protect Montanans most at-risk of complications from COVID-19. Montana health care and seniors groups praised Gianforte’s improvement of the state’s vaccine distribution plan. About a week after the governor’s changes, the federal government recommended similar modifications. National data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) continues to show Montana among states leading the nation in distributing the COVID-19 vaccine. To date, 57,221 doses have been administered in Montana, and 9,408 Montanans have been fully immunized. Montana’s COVID-19 vaccine supply continues to depend on federal supply and allocations. Individuals in Phase 1B are encouraged to contact their local county or tribal health departments to check on vaccination availability and scheduling. More information can be found at dphhs.mt.gov .

WHITEFISH, Mont., Jan. 19, 2021 – The Saturday, Jan. 23 and Sunday, Jan. 24 Frontier Conference men’s basketball games between the University of Providence and Montana Western have been cancelled due to Covid issues. The women’s conference games between Providence and Montana Western will be played as scheduled on both days. The Saturday game will tipoff at 5 p.m. and the Sunday game will tipoff at 2 p.m. from the Straugh Gymnasium on the Montana Western campus in Dillon, Mont.

The music of the Road Agents has always had a rustic feel, and the Montana band embraced that aesthetic while crafting their fourth release. Exile on Moose Creek was recorded entirely in the Forest Service cabin at Moose Creek west of Helena over three days in Sept. 2020, and mixed and mastered later that month at Vigilante Cabin on the Ruby River. The band released the final product earlier this month on iTunes, Spotify and Bandcamp. “Most of our songs are set in the lonelier parts of the state, in the places we grew up,” said songwriter, singer and guitarist Jeff Peterson. “Doing an album in a Forest Service cabin fits right in with what we want this band to be.” After more than 40 gigs across the state in 2019, the Road Agents, like musicians around the country, were forced to cancel everything and stay off the road in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were a little down this summer,” said mandolinist Justin Ringsak. “We had just finished our second record, and we were looking forward to playing around and sharing it, but then the pandemic hit and put the brakes on live music.” The band played a few shows in outdoor venues over the summer before winding down in the fall. Peterson had crafted a new batch of songs they decided to record at Moose Creek. Usually a straightforward guitar, mandolin and vocal duo, part-time member and Michigan blueberry farmer Joe Corrado, after a negative COVID-19 test, was imported to fill out the sound. Three snowy days at Moose Creek led to eight finished tracks. Having another musician on board encouraged the group to add more variety to their sound, incorporating shaker, cajón, handclaps, and layered singing along with Corrado’s guitar embellishments. “We try to get an authentic roots-folk sound when we record,” Ringsak said. “We track most parts live all at once in only a couple of takes, so what you hear on our records is what you would hear if we were playing live at the brewery or in your kitchen. This album was a bit different. We recorded the main parts with all three of us together around the wood stove, then the next day we’d move the mics around and one or two of us would sing harmonies or slip in some percussion while the other guy was in the kitchen making coffee and cooking bacon.” The album’s title, Exile on Moose Creek , is a nod to the Rolling Stones’ classic, Exile on Main Street . “We’re definitely not the Stones,” said Peterson. “But, with all that happened last year, we did kind of feel like exiles. We’re lucky that Montana is full of hidden treasures like the Moose Creek cabin. If you’re going to be exiled, might as well be hiding out in the mountains, making music with your friends.”

Phase 1B COVID-vaccine Community Clinics Coming Soon! Public Health and its partners are planning for 3 community clinics to vaccinate people who fall within 1B. These groups include: a) Everyone 70 years and older. b) American Indians and other people of color who may be at elevated risk for COVID-19 complications. c) People 18 and older with high-risk medical conditions. Those qualifying conditions are: 1. Cancer 2. Chronic kidney disease 3. COPD 4. Down Syndrome 5. Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies 6. Immunocompromised state from solid organ transplant 7. Severe Obesity (BMI >40) 8. Sickle cell disease 9. Type 1 & 2 Diabetes mellitus 10. Case by case basis with consultation with a medical provider The clinics are scheduled for January 29, February 5, and February 12 from 12-5 at UMW arena. There will be slots for 200 people for the first clinic as we will be fitting in second doses for 1A recipients. We may increase the number of appointments at subsequent clinics after reviewing the flow of the first clinic. Public health IS NOT keeping a list of names. We are working on getting a dedicated phone line for people to call to make appointments. We will let everyone know when this is available. Clinics are being planned to provide the second doses to those who received their vaccines during these first clinics. Do keep in mind that Barrett Hospital clinic and the CHC are providing some vaccines to their patients once they receive their 1B vaccine allocation.

Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture is holding the January Lunch n Learn Jan. 21st at Noon at The Den. Featured speaker is County Commissioner, Tom Rice. Come learn about how the county is doing and the 2021 Outlook for the County! Menu: Homemade Beef Stroganoff...Yum! Cost: $18/pp. Please RSVP with Rebecca Jones at 406-683-5511 or info@beaverheadchamber.org .

A huge thank you from The Festival of Trees Committee to the Dillon Community and surrounding areas for their generous donations and support of the 2020 event. Two organizations will benefit from this years proceeds. Business Builders of Dillon awarded $9,000.00 and The Beaverhead Food Pantry awarded $1,500.00. Festival of Tress has awarded over $319,000 to our community nonprofit agencies since 2001. Thanks again for your continued support.

During a press conference, Governor Gianforte announced they will be repealing and amending the current 25-page directive to a more simplified 3-page directive. Starting Friday, January 15th, 2021, they will be lifting the current mandates that force bars, restaurants, breweries, and other businesses to close at 10 P.M. Gianforte stated: "We can reduce the burden on our small business owners while simultaneously protecting the health of Montana workers and customers. These two are not mutually exclusive." In the press conference Gianforte stated that 42,000 Montanans have received the first dose of the COVID vaccine, and communities are preparing for phase 1B to begin the week of January 18th. When asked about the age of 70 and older for the 1B phase, he stated it was to protect those most vulnerable, as 75% of COVID deaths in Montana have been from people in the 70 plus age range.

Use caution when traveling southbound on I-15 a overturned semi is blocking southbound travel. We will update this as more information becomes available. As of 12 P.M. all lanes are clear and traffic was back to normal.

Weather Alerts -Dillon, MT High Wind Warning from WED 8:00 AM MST until WED 9:00 PM MST Great Falls - MT, US, National Weather Service Affected Area Beaverhead, Central and Southern Lewis and Clark, Madison, Jefferson, Broadwater, Meagher and Gallatin Description ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 9 PM MST WEDNESDAY... WHAT...West winds 30 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected. WHERE...Beaverhead, Central and Southern Lewis and Clark, Madison, Jefferson, Broadwater, Meagher and Gallatin. WHEN...From 8 AM to 9 PM MST Wednesday. IMPACTS...Strong winds may blow down trees and power lines. Some power outages are possible. Travel may become difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow and strong winds near and along the Continental Divide will cause dangerous backcountry conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced his nomination of Scott Osterman to lead the Montana Department of Commerce. “Getting our economy going again, getting Montana open for business, and getting Montanans back to work and thriving in good-paying jobs require a strong leader at the Department of Commerce. With his extensive experience in business development and management, Scott will be an outstanding leader for the department,” Governor Gianforte said. A north central Montana native, Osterman most recently served as senior director of business unit operations at Applied Materials in Kalispell. Osterman has served as a senior executive in Fortune 500 companies and venture start-ups, including in the semiconductor, automobile, and high-tech hardware and software industries. His broad experience in business includes strategic planning, rapid growth initiatives, operations, sales, market development, and turnaround execution. “I’m honored to accept this opportunity to market, promote, and serve our great state and its people, and I look forward to responsibly and sustainably developing the tremendous potential of Montana. We are at a unique inflection point to grow the Montana economy in new ways, as well as to build on our traditional industries,” said Scott Osterman, nominee to lead the Montana Department of Commerce.

Dillon Chief of Police has issued the following statement regarding the identity of the male suspect involved in the January 6th shooting. Jordan Scott Schryver 32 Year old Dillon male is Recovering from injuries sustained in an Officer involved shooting in a January 6, 2021 incident. Felony charges are forthcoming. Dillon Police Officer is on administrative leave per policy in the event of a shooting incident. The Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigations was contacted to investigate for transparency. Our thoughts are with all individuals involved and their families. The Officer is doing well and recovering from the obvious traumatic event. Please keep all officers who deal with these situations in your thoughts. Chief Don Guiberson

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced his support for SB 65, legislation sponsored by Senator Fitzpatrick designed to offer liability protections to businesses, health care providers, places of worship, and nonprofit organizations that follow public health guidelines to combat the spread of COVID-19. In a letter to the Senate Business and Labor Committee, Governor Gianforte emphasized the importance of protecting health care providers who are working to mitigate the threat of COVID-19 and care for their patients. Governor Gianforte writes, “I appreciate that SB 65 begins by offering protections to those who care for our residents during the pandemic, including by limiting the civil liability of health care providers and manufacturers of COVID-19-related products under certain circumstances. Such health care providers and manufacturers remain especially vital to the state’s ongoing pandemic response and current initiatives to protect the most vulnerable Montanans.” The governor also highlighted how this legislation provides incentives for businesses to follow public health guidelines, practice personal responsibility, and encourage others to do the same. “Montana’s economic comeback is largely dependent on the ability of all business sectors to operate without fear of being sued when following, and in compliance with, current public health guidance,” Governor Gianforte writes. “By offering protection from civil liability, SB 65 ultimately incentivizes our business owners to take personal responsibility and promote actions that advance public health.” SB 65 provides the liability protections that Governor Gianforte described earlier this week. At a Tuesday press conference, Governor Gianforte emphasized, “We need to protect businesses and schools from lawsuits if they make a good faith effort to protect individuals from the spread of coronavirus and follow clear public health guidelines. To combat the virus, I believe providing incentives and promoting personal responsibility are more effective than imposing impractical mandates.” To read the full letter click HERE .

Governor Greg Gianforte today released his “Roadmap to the Montana Comeback,” his budget proposal for the 2023 biennium. Gianforte’s budget plan fulfills many of the policy priorities he outlined in his Montana Comeback Plan to get the economy going again, get Montana safely open for business, and get Montanans back to work in good-paying jobs. “This roadmap to the Montana comeback will help unlock our state’s full, outstanding potential,” Gianforte said. Gianforte’s budget provides $50 million in broad-based and targeted tax relief, including cutting the top marginal income tax rate to 6.75%. For 2019, Montanans who earned a taxable income of more than $18,400 paid the top marginal rate of 6.9%. The governor’s budget also relieves 4,000 small businesses from the burden of the business equipment tax by raising the exemption from $100,000 to $200,000. Gianforte’s budget boosts funding by 25 percent for programs providing property tax relief to low-income homeowners, including disabled veterans and seniors. To combat the drug epidemic, the Gianforte budget devotes marijuana tax revenue and part of the tobacco tax settlement to the HEART Fund, or the Healing and Ending Addiction through Recovery and Treatment Fund. It will fund a full continuum of substance abuse prevention and treatment programs for communities. With $7 million in new fund and a federal match, the governor’s budget invests an additional $23.5 million per year in substance abuse prevention and treatment programs. The governor proposes a $1 million investment in trades education by providing a credit for employee education and training. Gianforte’s budget also provides $2.5 million of incentives to raise the pay of Montana’s starting teachers. Montana ranks last in the country in starting teacher pay. Governor Gianforte highlighted his efforts to control state spending, saying, “I promised we would hold the line on new general fund spending. This budget does. After a decade of out-of-control spending, this budget brings fiscal responsibility back to state government while providing essential services.” He noted that, even with statutory required spending and investments in combating the drug epidemic, increasing starting teacher pay, and expanding trades education, total general fund spending increases less than one percent per year. The Governor’s Office has published additional materials on governor.mt.gov. Here’s “What To Know About” Governor Gianforte’s Budget: Bringing High-Paying Jobs to Montana Making Montana’s Income Tax Competitive Helping Small Businesses Thrive Investing in Education Combating the Drug Epidemic Providing Relief to Montana Homeowners Creating a Fiscally Conservative Budget