Montana News Roundup: Tax Talk Today, and “Airport Cowboys”

We're entering a critical week for Governor Gianforte's proposals for property tax reform, specifically the idea of shifting some of the tax burden to out-of-state property owners.

Why it Matters: The governor has argued that the exemption would help over 200,000 primary residences and 32,000 small businesses.

Some lawmakers remain resistant to the idea

Gianforte also has a 1% income tax in play, but doesn't think it's an either/or situation

"Well, I'm an eternal optimist. I don't think we have to make that choice. Because there's enough room to give Montanans permanent property tax relief and lower the income tax." -Gov. Gianforte

Get our free mobile app

House Bill 231 had been tabled before the Senate Taxation Committee but then was revived on a 4-2 vote last week. The panel has its next hearing Monday morning in Helena, so we may know later today if the idea will be able to progress in the Senate.

Here Are the Lawmakers You're Looking For

READ MORE: Gianforte Advocates for Tax Cuts on Missoula Visit

Two Tax Deadlines Tuesday

You're likely scrambling to meet the Tuesday IRS and state incoming tax deadline right now, but don't overlook that it's also the cutoff for you to apply for some help with your property taxes.

April 15th is the last day to ask for help with Montana's Property Tax Assistance Program, which includes qualifications for help based on home ownership and income, as well as help for completely disabled veterans.

A New Approach to Keeping Critters Out of Montana Waters

The Flathead Lakers are going to use a $42,000 grant from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to use state data to focus prevention messages on "high-risk" watercraft users.

The Lakers say they'll be targeting information to boaters who regularly visit Montana, where invasive species like zebra mussels are already a problem.

Get Ready for Bozeman Pass Backups

It's going to be a long summer for drivers over Bozeman Pass, as Montana Department of Transportation engineers say they're ready to roll with a major repair project involving 11 miles of that busy stretch of Interstate 90. Crews will make repairs and blast away a big rock before it comes down on the freeway.

These can't be real Montana Cowboys!

First, it was the "Tourons of Yellowstone." Now, a new Instagram account is posting fun at all those visitors who insist on wearing a cowboy hat when they come to Montana.

"Bozeman_Airport_Cowboys" includes snaps of all kinds of air travelers coming and going through the Bozeman airport caught in "not local" mode. Some of the pictures show people obviously inspired by the "Yellowstone" fashion trends and others in exaggerated fur coats, but ALL wearing a variety of "just purchased" cowboy hats. In some cases, travelers are actually seen wearing hats on top of hats as they rush to make their plane.

We're still trying to understand the "pizza box brim saver."

Montana Monday Math

💦 The Flathead Biological Station estimates there are 5.6 cubic miles of water in Flathead Lake. That's 6.2 TRILLION gallons of water.