The Latest: Montana's 2019 Legislative session gavels in

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Latest on the opening of the 2019 Montana legislative session(all times local):

1:40 p.m.

Montana lawmakers have opened the 2019 session to calls for civility and cooperation as contentious debates loom over the state budget and the future of Medicaid expansion.

The House and Senate gaveled in Monday for the 90-day session that will be Gov. Steve Bullock's last as a Democrat trying to pass his agenda through a Republican-led Legislature.

Senate Majority Leader Fred Thomas told senators that he expects the Republican majority will hold firm against Bullock's proposals for tax increases in areas such as the hospitality industry and alcohol sales.