Montana’s Hamilton City Council unanimously opposes federal workforce cuts that threaten the local economy and Rocky Mountain Laboratories’ critical infectious disease research.
At a Glance
- Hamilton City Council voted unanimously to oppose federal workforce cuts and called for rehiring employees at Rocky Mountain Laboratories and Bitterroot National Forest
- 41 lab workers have been laid off or had contracts ended as of May, with more cuts planned under Trump administration initiatives
- The NIH faces a proposed 40% budget cut, threatening crucial infectious disease research
- Hamilton’s economy is heavily dependent on federal workers, with local businesses already feeling the impact
- The resolution calls on Montana’s congressional delegation to advocate for reversing the workforce reductions
Small Town Takes Stand Against Federal Cuts
The Hamilton City Council has taken a firm stance against federal workforce reductions implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), passing a unanimous resolution opposing the cuts and calling for the rehiring of employees at Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML) and Bitterroot National Forest.
The resolution highlights growing concerns about the local economy and the vital role these federal institutions play in Hamilton and Ravalli County. Despite sending letters to both the National Institute of Health and the U.S. Department of Agriculture expressing concern, the council has received no response regarding the ongoing workforce reductions.
Council President Robin Pruitt emphasized the council’s commitment to protecting Hamilton’s economic interests, stating, “This council has responded to the workforce reduction at our two federal employment places. We responded on behalf of the local economy of Hamilton and our concerned citizens.” The resolution was inspired by similar action taken by Gallatin County against U.S. Forest Service cuts, reflecting growing regional concern about federal downsizing in Montana.
Research Excellence Under Threat
Rocky Mountain Laboratories, a premier infectious disease research facility in Hamilton, has long been an economic driver for the region while producing significant public health advancements, including the discovery of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. However, federal budget cuts under the Trump administration have led to mass layoffs and research grant cancellations. As of May, 41 lab workers were laid off or had contracts ending, with more cuts planned. The NIH, which oversees the lab, faces a proposed 40% budget cut under the current administration.
The Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, has driven these cost-cutting initiatives across federal agencies. Former lab researcher Kim Hasenkrug has criticized the cuts, warning they would significantly hinder research progress on infectious diseases. Despite these challenges, Rocky Mountain Labs is paradoxically undergoing a building expansion while its workforce faces reduction.
Economic Impact on a Rural Community
Hamilton’s economy is heavily reliant on federal workers, with local businesses already feeling the effects of the cuts. The lab’s presence has historically attracted international companies like GSK to the area, boosting the local economy beyond direct employment. Now, with federal workers facing layoffs, concerns mount about a potential exodus that could devastate Hamilton’s economic foundation. The resolution emphasizes the importance of adequate staffing and funding for both RML and the USFS, highlighting their vital role in community sustainability.
The situation is complicated by the lab’s location in a conservative, blue-collar town that sometimes harbors anti-government sentiments. The COVID-19 pandemic widened these divisions, with some false claims linking the lab to the virus’s origins. Despite these tensions, the economic reality has led to protests in Hamilton against the federal worker layoffs and cuts to scientific research, showing that practical concerns about livelihood can transcend political divisions when communities face economic threats.
Call for Action
The Hamilton City Council’s resolution concludes with a call for the Montana congressional delegation and governor to advocate for the reversal of workforce reductions and ensure adequate funding for both the USFS and RML. Copies of the letters were sent to various stakeholders, including local government officials, news outlets, and the Montana congressional delegation, signaling a coordinated effort to address these concerns. The resolution specifically requests consultation between the federal government and the City of Hamilton regarding any future staffing reductions.
As Hamilton faces this economic uncertainty, the resolution represents a community’s unified stance against federal cuts that threaten both scientific advancement and local prosperity. The council’s actions highlight the often-overlooked impact of federal budget decisions on rural American communities whose economies have become dependent on government research facilities and forest service operations.
