Public assistance cuts begin Friday

HELENA (AP) - Some 17,000 Montanans who receive public assistance will see their benefits reduced by 26 percent beginning Friday as an increasing number of welfare recipients vie for a shrinking pool of state money.

The average family of three on public assistance is expected to see the monthly benefit check drop from $507 to $375.

Despite much publicity about the pending cuts, state officials said they fear some recipients still will be surprised when they open their August checks.

''I think there will be some people who are caught off guard,'' said Hank Hudson, administrator for the state's...