Breaking News: Montana Freedom Caucus Calls for Special Legislative Session to Address Property Tax Concerns
Earlier this month, members of the Montana Freedom Caucus from the Flathead Valley urged the Office of the Secretary of State to consider convening a special legislative session to alleviate the burden of property tax increases on residents.
This group of right-wing lawmakers emphasized the urgent need to resolve the ongoing property tax issue and outlined four key goals for the potential special session. These goals include returning a significant budget surplus to taxpayers, approving a Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, clarifying laws addressing mill levies, and providing property tax relief.
According to Rep. Steve Gunderson, a member of the caucus, the current dispute surrounding the Montana Department of Revenue’s determination of property tax mills is a crucial issue that must be addressed by the Legislature.
The Montana Supreme Court recently ruled that counties are required to levy 95 mills for school funding, as determined by the state, leading to a contentious debate over the accuracy of statewide mill calculations. This has prompted a lawsuit by the Montana Association of Counties against the Department of Revenue.
Additionally, caucus member Rep. Bob Keenan emphasized the need to address property tax concerns, stating that taxpayers expect a solution to this pressing issue. He argued that the government has a responsibility to return any surplus tax revenue to the people, and the passage of a Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights would create a mechanism for automatic reimbursement in the future.
The proposed special session would also seek to clarify the division of responsibilities between the state and municipalities when it comes to property taxes, a concern highlighted by Rep. Braxton Mitchell.
Governor Greg Gianforte’s administration has been accused of shifting blame onto local governments for potential tax increases, sparking a debate over fiscal responsibility and the need for concrete solutions.
Despite the efforts of the Montana Freedom Caucus, Democrat lawmakers are unlikely to support the proposed special session, arguing that Republicans have failed to address property tax issues effectively in the past.
While Democrats have urged for a special session to adopt revenue-neutral property tax rates, their request was unfulfilled by the governor. They emphasized the need for long-term solutions to the property tax crisis and expressed skepticism about the proposed special session.
With the potential special session scheduled for January, the debate over property taxes in Montana continues to be a complex and divisive issue, with implications for taxpayers across the state.
To voice your support for a special session, constituents are encouraged to reach out to their local legislators. For further inquiries, contact reporter Kate Heston at [email protected] or 758-4459.
