Op-Ed: Make Fraud a Losing Proposition by Identifying Scams Before They Start

September 12, 2026 Financial fraud has become a lucrative criminal enterprise. According to the FBI, cyber-enabled crimes defrauded Americans of $21 billion in 2025 alone. Tragically, that figure includes more than $53 million stolen from Montanans. Scammers exploit our trusting, friendly nature to drain the accounts of unsuspecting victims. As state auditor, I’m responsible for … Read more

Op-Ed: The Tax No Montanan Voted For

July 5, 2026 Montana has always measured its worth in hard work and straight dealing, not in gimmicks or hidden costs. As our nation marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, that frontier sense of fairness collides with an uncomfortable reality: in today’s America, fraud has become a tax no one voted for and … Read more

Op-Ed: Montana Seniors Deserve Accountability in Medicare Advantage

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

Op-Ed: Fighting Fraud and Putting Montana Families First

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

Op-Ed: Defending Montana Ranchers and the School Trust on the Land Board

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

Making Hay for Montana Schools – State Auditor James Brown announces that State Trust lands generated $80.8 million in fiscal year 2025 for education

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

The Unaffordable Care Act: Rate hikes are coming

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

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

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