This is an exciting time for the state of Montana. We are experiencing strong business and employment growth, increasing wages, and expanding industries. Unemployment levels are nearly a full percentage point below the national average at 4 percent, and more Montanans are at work all across the state than ever before. Over the past few years, Montana has been consistently ranked among the top 10 in the nation for entrepreneurship, business climate, tax fairness, government responsibility, and income growth. Indeed, our state ranks within the top ten in nearly every economic category. While our economy and wages are growing in the private sector, in the public sector we are cutting waste, challenging every expense, aligning with the needs of the private sector, and eliminating unnecessary regulations and red tape.