During the public-comment portion of the appropriations hearing, business leaders, local economic development officials and community representatives told the committee they rely on Department of Commerce programs for loans, grants, technical assistance and tourism promotion.

Patty Fleming, director of the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC), said MMEC helps small and medium manufacturers across Montana with technical assistance and reported a strong return on investment: "In the past 5 years, MMEC has helped 354 different small to medium manufacturers... MMEC clients have reported... $2,000,000 and invested another 112,000,000 into their businesses," Fleming said.

Other commenters highlighted: the Department of Commerces automation loan program, which helps manufacturers adopt automation to raise productivity; STEP export grants that helped a Montana company access Japan and India markets; Montana Main Street and Brand MT tourism grants that support rural event and wayfinding projects; and housing-related programs administered by Housing Montana and the Board of Housing.

Why it matters: dozens of local economic development and community organizations said Commerce programs are central to business expansion, workforce development, historic preservation and housing projects in rural communities. Several speakers asked the committee to continue funding and reauthorize programs where federal or trust funding has been exhausted.

Ending: Committee members heard a broad slate of endorsements and requests for continued support; the departments staff and agency leaders noted they would continue to work with local partners to deliver grants, loans and technical assistance.