All Montanans deserve tax relief
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As we enter February, things have really begun happening at the state legislature. Our new congressman, Steve Daines, came and spoke to us. Also, the new governor gave his State of the State Address. We passed some significant legislation, and some more good bills are working their way through committee.
When Rep. Daines spoke, he said Washington, D.C., could learn a lot from Montana. We’re constitutionally required to have a balanced budget. The national politicians could sure take a lesson from that.
Both Daines and Governor Steve Bullock, in his speech, praised the attitude of cooperation that has characterized this legislature. I agree. Our Speaker of the House, Mark Blasdel, started the session out by saying we should focus on more work and less politics. So far, it’s producing great results.
In the rest of his speech, the governor joined with those of us in the legislature who have been calling for tax relief. We have some differences about how to do it, but we both agree on the goal.
As for what exact shape the tax relief should take, the Governor wants to give a $400 rebate to homeowners on their property taxes.
I would prefer to see tax relief for every single Montanan. No one should be left out.
The governor’s address also demonstrated that he’s on board with the need to fix the state’s pension system. Once again, this is an area where the legislature and the governor agree on the goal. But just like taxes, we disagree about exactly how we should accomplish the goal.
The governor has proposed that we use taxpayer dollars to bail out the state employees’ pension system.
I disagree. I believe we need a long-term fix that will return the system to stability in its own right, not another taxpayer-funded bailout.
We passed a bill to strengthen the penalties for assault when the victim is a pregnant woman. If a criminal attacks her and she loses her baby, that’s a tragic loss for her and her family. I’m proud to have voted to punish that crime more severely.
As always, you don’t have to come all the way to the capitol to participate. If you have any input about specific bills, please don’t hesitate to contact me by email at greghertz11@gmail.com or call or text me at (406) 253-9505.
You can also leave messages for individual legislators or committees by calling (406) 444-4800.
For more information on Montana’s 63rd legislative session, visit www.leg.mt.gov.
