Tax Relief Proposal Targets Property Tax and Government Spending

Montana is tired of high taxes. Governor Greg Gianforte wants permanent property tax relief. He thinks taxpayers have had enough. Gianforte says local governments need to get their spending under control. He wants real change.

At a press conference in Helena, Gianforte laid out his tax relief plan. He was joined by tax reform advocate Grover Norquist. They talked about reducing tax burdens. All talked about wasteful government spending. They took shots at bad policies.

Tax Relief Shouldn’t Help Out-of-State Property Owners

Gianforte doesn’t think Montana tax dollars should help out-of-staters. He wants Montanans to keep their money. He doesn’t want tax money helping wealthy vacation homeowners.

“I don’t think hardworking Montanans should be paying for a property tax reduction for some California millionaire with a second home here,” he said.

Fair point. If you own two houses, you can afford your taxes.

Tax Relief Needs Fair Income Tax Rates, Says Norquist

Grover Norquist believes in simple tax rates. He wants every taxpayer to pay the same percentage. He thinks flat income tax rates keep politicians honest.

“When everyone pays the same rate, it’s harder to raise taxes,” he said. “If one guy pays 3% and his neighbor pays 3%, they know exactly what’s happening.”

Lawmakers love sneaky tax hikes. They target certain groups and pretend taxes aren’t going up. Norquist wants transparency.

Tax Relief Debates Will Get Heated in Montana Legislature

Gianforte knows lawmakers will fight over this. He expects a long debate. Gianforte is ready for it. He doesn’t want state income tax to bail out local governments. He wants Montana’s tax system to make sense.

“We ought to have a real debate,” Gianforte said. Translation: expect fireworks.

Legislators will argue over every detail. They will push their own agendas. Some will try to water it down. Others will fight for more tax cuts.

Tax Relief and Federal Spending Cuts in Washington

Gianforte took a moment to praise Trump. He likes that federal spending is slowing down. He thinks Washington has spent recklessly for too long.

“Washington has been spending like drunken sailors,” he said.

No argument there. But let’s be honest. Montana politicians have their own spending problems.

Gianforte wants Montana’s federal delegation to make sure the state gets its fair share. He knows budget cuts are coming. He wants to protect Montana’s interests.

So, will tax relief actually happen? Or is this just another political show? Stay tuned.