HELENA, Mont. – The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics released data for the month of June showing that Montana has the 44th lowest weekly wages in the country.

In June, average weekly earnings in Montana were $845.13 per week, nearly 17% lower than the national average of $1,007.90 per week. Montana’s weekly earnings only narrowly surpassed those of the bottom six states: Idaho, Kentucky, New Mexico, Arkansas, Mississippi, and South Dakota.

The Montana Republican Party released the following statement in response:

“After 44 years in government and running for office, career politician Mike Cooney has left Montana ranked 44th in wages and Montana families struggling to make ends meet,” said Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt. “Montana needs Greg Gianforte as our next Governor to get our economy going again and create good-paying jobs for hardworking Montanans – and he has the plan to get it done. Gianforte’s Montana Comeback Plan will help our Treasure State live up to its full potential by getting Montana open for business, getting Montanans back to work, and changing how state government does business – all while protecting our Montana way of life.” 

To read about Congressman Gianforte’s Montana Comeback Plan, click here.