The Republican leadership in Montana has implemented policies that harm working Montanans for their own benefit and the advantage of the wealthy.
Gov. Greg Gianforte and the Republican supermajority imposed the largest property tax increase on homeowners, renters, and small business owners in Montana’s history, with a significant portion of the increase directed towards tax cuts for the affluent and corporations. Gianforte received a tax break on his Helena mansion and is paying less in taxes compared to his neighbors in Bozeman and Helena.
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Gianforte removed tens of thousands of Montanans from their health insurance during the Medicaid redetermination process due to administrative errors, not because they were ineligible. Depriving Montanans of healthcare while prioritizing capital gains tax cuts appears to be a common practice for the state’s Republican leaders, who disregard the needs of working families.
Furthermore, GOP policies have negatively impacted public schools that Montanans rely on for their children’s education. The skewed property tax system has disrupted school funding formulas, leading to layoffs of hundreds of teachers in districts that require assistance. Meanwhile, residents in these districts are facing higher property taxes to support their local schools.
The Republican supermajorities and governor are transforming Montana into a state where the wealthy benefit from substantial tax cuts while Montanans face higher taxes and cuts to essential services like education and healthcare. They are prioritizing personal gain over the well-being of the state.
Sheila Hogan is the executive director of the Montana Democratic Party. She was raised in Butte and currently resides in Helena with her husband, Jim.
