June 1, 2026 As Montana’s State Auditor, I have a remarkably multifaceted and interesting job. In addition to regulating Montana’s insurance and bail bonds industries, I am also tasked with promoting capital formation in order to foster business growth and free enterprise. As a fourth-generation Montanan, this is a duty I both enjoy and value. … Read more
Congressman Troy Downing and Montana State Auditor James Brown June 11, 2026 Medicare Advantage is not just an abstract policy for many Montana seniors who rely on it to access doctors, prescriptions, medical care, and peace of mind. Montanans deserve accountability, not bureaucratic delays, when they have questions about their plan and coverage. States need … Read more
July 4, 2026, marks our nation’s 250th birthday. For two and a half centuries, patriotic men and women have fought and sacrificed so this country remains free, sovereign, and governed by “we the people,” not by federal bureaucrats. A 250th anniversary is rare in a nation’s life. It is also a unique opportunity for a … Read more
Co-written with Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen As Land Board members, our job is simple: defend Montana ranchers, the school trust, and our way of life. We don’t cater to out-of-state billionaires looking to turn our backyard into their playground. For years, American Prairie has been attempting to push out our ranching communities, threatening our … Read more
As a fourth generation Montanan, I know Treasure State residents value and jealously guard our public lands. To protect Montana’s heritage, we must ensure public land is not sold or locked away, and we must take immediate steps to improve access to landlocked trust parcels. As state auditor, I serve on Montana’s Board of Land … Read more
As the year comes to a close, Montana State Auditor James Brown highlighted the vital role the Montana State Land Board plays in strengthening public education. Brown announced that in Fiscal Year 2025 state trust lands generated more than $80.8 million in revenue for Montana’s public schools and endowed institutions. Of that total, $73.4 million … Read more
Montanans are about to face another steep increase in health insurance premiums — some plans may see costs rise by more than 20%. This increase will hit our small businesses, working families, and self-employed ranchers. In short, the people who need affordable health care most. The primary culprit is the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a … Read more
June 15 marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day — an opportunity for communities across Montana and the nation to shine a light on elder abuse and neglect. As Montana state auditor, I take financial exploitation of seniors seriously — and the numbers show why. Behind every statistic is a name, a face and a story. … Read more
By Montana State Auditor James Brown Montanans are facing a new reality: skyrocketing homeowners’ insurance premiums and an escalating wildfire threat. According to the National Association of Realtors, Montana may experience the fifth-highest state increase in homeowners’ insurance rates this year — a trend impacting residents statewide. Two major forces are driving higher costs. First, … Read more
The Montana State Auditor’s office is dedicated to both educating Montanans and protecting them from financial scams and investment fraud. We take this responsibility seriously, as financial abuse, particularly in investments, continues to grow. In March, the FTC reported that Americans lost more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a staggering 25% increase from … Read more