We're all familiar with the phrase "nothing in life is free" and while that might be true in most cases, it still doesn't stop most of us from wishing some things were.

It seems the last few years costs have continued to skyrocket here in Montana.  From housing to groceries, many Montanans are doing whatever they can to make ends meet, so when it comes to the "extras", well, there just isn't enough money for such things.

The whole thing got me thinking, so I asked Montanas the following question.  What is something you think should be free in Montana, but isn't?

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I received several different responses, but the following 5 were by far the most popular when it came to what Montanans would like to see for free.

Fishing Licenses

Montana has some of the best fishing in the world, oh and the scenery isn't bad either.  So, it really shouldn't come as a surprise that many Montanans would like to see state residents be able to fish without having to pay for a license.

Senior man flyfishing in river
Stephen Schauer
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Camping Permits

Camping is something that everyone can enjoy.  Whether you are a couple, friends, or a family, who doesn't enjoy hanging out around a fire and looking up into that great big sky? However, many campgrounds around the state require you to pay, and depending on where you're camping, could be more expensive than a night at a hotel.

Mystical night landscape, in the foreground hike, campfire and tent
Geribody
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National Park Passes

We're blessed to have two of the most beautiful National Parks in the country, however, many Montanans don't like paying to get into those parks.  The idea of having to make reservations, or pay what some consider a large fee doesn't sit well with several locals.

Yellowstone National Park.Wyoming.USA
Purestock
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Parking

Several towns around Montana still have parking meters or require a paid parking pass for certain areas, and a lot of Montanans don't like that one bit.  It seems that when it comes to parking in Big Sky Country, Montanans think that should be free.

Free parking for visitors sign
flowersandclassicalmusic
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School Lunches

Finally, school lunches.  I'll be honest, I was surprised to see how many people suggested that we have free lunch for kids.  The truth is, in many homes across Montana, sometimes the lunch at school might be the only significant food a child receives that day.

Elementary Pupils Collecting Healthy Lunch In Cafeteria Smiling To Camera
monkeybusinessimages
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So those are your Top 5.  Of course, while many will agree, some certainly won't. So let me ask the question again, what is something that you would like to see free in Montana that isn't?  Send me a message on our radio station app and let me know.

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