Break Out the Veto Pen, Montana Legislature Down to the Wire

When it comes to Montana's Legislative session- I hope the governor is ready to break out the veto pen on some of the massive spending that's going on.

I would add this: no matter how much property tax relief is delivered by the Legislature and the governor- it is not going to be enough. We the people are going to have to deliver fundamental reform to our property tax system and pass an initiative that finally stops taxing people based off of the value of their home.

The Montana Legislature is coming down to the wire this week, as the Montana Family Foundation's Jeff Laszloffy reports in his latest legislative update Monday morning.

Laszloffy: "As we begin what will likely be the final week of the 2025 legislative session, the end game is becoming more clear. Tensions are rising and surprises abound. Taking center stage is House Bill Two, the state budget. It's the most important bill by far, and its passage signals that a motion to adjourn sine die is imminent."

(Click here to listen to all of Laszloffy's radio updates)

On the positive front, Governor Greg Gianforte (R-MT) has already made it clear that he will be signing yet another income tax cut into law.  

According to a press release from the governor's office, Governor Gianforte will be joined by Speaker of the MT House Brandon Ler (R-Savage) on the front steps of the Montana State Capitol Monday afternoon to "celebrate the largest tax cut in state history. Joining Speaker Ler and legislators, the governor will sign House Bill 337 into law. Sponsored by Speaker Ler, House Bill 337 reduces the top income tax rate and increases the Earned Income Tax Credit from 10% to 20%, providing an income tax cut to Montanans at every income level."

According to the Helena IR: "Most Montanans currently pay the top rate of 5.9%, which would drop to 5.65% next year and 5.4% by 2027 if the bill becomes law. That top rate would apply to single filers who make more than $47,500, which is up from the $21,100 threshold in current law. Residents who are filing jointly will be eligible for the lower rate if they make a combined $95,000 or less…The bill was opposed by Democrats every step of the way while it won the support of nearly all Republicans."