In the seventh of a series of field hearings held in different regions of the country, the House Committee on the Budget met in Helena, Montana, and Worthington, Minnesota, on March 14, 1986, to hear comments from a broad range of witnesses on the 1987 federal budget. At the Helena meeting statements were made by Montana Governor Ted Schwinden, by the state superintendent of schools, representatives of local government associations, state and local elected officials, and a power company manager. Topics included the importance of federal revenue with regard to Montana's education, agriculture, power and industrial growth, and highways. The focus of the Minnesota meeting was the economic condition of agriculture and the impact of the budget proposals on rural America. Statements were made by bankers, a county extension agent, an agricultural economist, and the state agriculture commissioner. Information was provided concerning the impact on farmers of federal agriculture policy and legislation. Specific topics included loan foreclosures, interest rates, bank closings, and the hardships faced by farm families. This document includes the transcript of the meetings, prepared statements, and additional information submitted for the record. (JHZ)