
Montana Governor Promotes Tax Cuts, Housing in State of State Speech
Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Montana Governor Greg Gianforte addressed a joint session of the Montana legislature on Monday evening in his Fourth Annual State of the State Address.
The speech, broadcast live on Montana PBS, focused on a plethora of topics, from taxes to law enforcement to cell phone free schools.
Gianforte began by asserting that the state of the state is strong.
Gianforte Stated 'The State of the State is Strong'
“It's about ensuring government remains a servant of the people, not their master and Montanans endorse that vision loud and clear,” began Gianforte. “They want leadership that delivers results, and that's exactly what we've done, and I'm proud to say thanks to our shared efforts and successes over the last four years, the state of our state is strong.”
Gianforte touted the lowering of income tax rates for Montanans.
“Since 2021 we've lowered the income tax rate most Montanans pay from 6.9 percent to 5.9 percent,” he said. “We should go farther. We should reduce the income tax rate from 5.9 percent to 4.9 percent, providing tax relief to workers and small business owners alike.”
Gianforte Touted Property Tax Relief and Lower Income Tax Rates
Regarding property tax relief, Gianforte repeated his call for a ‘Homestead Deduction’ for Montana homeowners.
“We must enact a homestead rate cut for Montana homeowners for their primary residence,” he said. “This reform is estimated to lower property taxes for Montana homeowners by 15 percent and for small businesses by 18 percent. It's projected to directly reduce property taxes for more than 215,000 homeowners and more than 32,000
small businesses.”
Gianforte Praised Hellgate Elementary Principal Molly Blakely During His Speech
One a local note, Hellgate Elementary School principal Molly Blakely was invited to the state capitol to point out the school’s cell phone ban.
“Molly Blakely is the superintendent of the Hellgate Elementary School District in Missoula,” he said. “In November, I got a letter from Molly about the district's new ‘cell phone free’ school policy. Tonight, we're grateful to have Molly with us. Molly, thank you for being here and for your strong leadership for your students and teachers.
Blakely stood to receive a standing ovation from many in the audience.
The State of the State message was broadcast live on Montana PBS.
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Gallery Credit: Ashley
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