Missoula, MT — On Wednesday morning, Governor Greg Gianforte visited Kalispell for a roundtable discussion centered on the growing concerns surrounding rising property taxes in Montana. The meeting provided a platform for local residents, particularly seniors on fixed incomes, to voice their struggles and seek solutions.
During the conversation, Gianforte highlighted the Homestead Rate Cut Bill, a piece of legislation currently making its way through the state legislature. The bill, if passed, would provide significant tax relief to Montanans, especially those like seniors who are often hit hardest by increases in property taxes.
One of the voices echoed in the room was Glenn Wehe, a retired educator from the Evergreen School District. Wehe, who is on a fixed income, shared his personal concerns about the impact of rising property taxes on his ability to stay in his home. “It’s important for me and people my age to still be able to afford to live here instead of getting taxed out of our homes. You hear stories about that all the time, and I just wanted to see if the governor would listen to us or not,” said Wehe.
Wehe’s concerns reflect the broader issue facing many of his neighbors in the Flathead Valley, where the cost of living has steadily increased, placing financial strain on long-time residents. For many, the fear of being priced out of their homes is a very real and pressing issue.
Governor Gianforte’s visit underscored the administration’s commitment to addressing the needs of seniors and other residents affected by rising property taxes. The proposed Homestead Rate Cut Bill aims to provide relief, particularly for those on fixed incomes, by lowering property tax rates for qualifying homeowners.
As the bill moves through the legislative process, residents like Wehe remain hopeful that it will offer the necessary relief to help them remain in their homes, allowing them to continue their lives without the looming threat of financial instability.
The outcome of this legislation could have a lasting impact on the affordability of living in Montana, particularly for its senior citizens who have dedicated their lives to the state.
