Great Falls was well represented at the recent tax protest at the capitol. The rally was to protest dramatic increases in residential property taxes thanks to the Republican legislature and the Gianforte administration. On average property taxes on residential property in Montana are going up a shocking 45%. Here is a link explaining exactly what the Republicans did to increase our taxes. https://wtf406.com/2023/07/big-corporations-get-tax-benefits-while-montana-resident-get-higher-property-taxes/
About 200 people attended the rally in the Capitol Rotunda. A good contingent from Great Falls carpooled down to listen to speakers and make their opposition to the tax increase known. Speakers included former Governor Brian Schweitzer and former Cascade County Commissioner Jane Weber who is also running for state legislature. Both pointed out that the governor’s and legislature’s actions have resulted in a massive tax shift from large corporations to residential property tax payers. A new website calculator breaking down how much your property taxes are going up and who benefits can be found in our previous post here.
https://wtf406.com/2023/09/they-got-the-gold-mine-we-get-the-shaft/
Both Schwietzer and Weber pointed out that the tax rebate being promoted by the Republicans is temporary, confusing and leaves almost half of all Montanans behind. Both also pointed out that Republicans made residential property taxes go up when they had the biggest budget surplus in history ($2.6 billion). Instead, they used that money to give big corporations and wealthy individuals big tax breaks.
The rally was organized and sponsored by Big Sky 55+, a statewide non-profit group which advocates for economic security for older Montanans.
Jane Weber makes the point that while giving big tax breaks to corporations and wealthy individuals, average Montanans only got a bone. (Photo courtesy of the Helen Independent Record.)
For a video of Brian Schweitzer’s comments follow this link.
If you are really into this, this link will take you to a movie clip of the entire event. (you may have to paste this link into your browser address bar)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pET1mUw-MYImi5rm-jXpdCeqYZaOVWPK/view?usp=sharing_eil_se_dm&ts=651c1ded
Thank you to the Helena Independent Record for its reporting on this event. https://helenair.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/rally-in-capitol-rotunda-calls-for-special-session-over-property-tax-hike/article_26fc829e-6165-11ee-aa98-63e547ef326e.html
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