Missoula, MT – Montana Governor Greg Gianforte is preparing to push forward a sweeping legislative agenda aimed at reducing taxes and investing in key public services. With the 2024 legislative session set to begin on January 6, Gianforte has outlined what he calls the “Path to Security and Prosperity,” a proposal designed to provide significant financial relief for Montanans and improve the state’s infrastructure and public services.
Among the cornerstone elements of the plan are the largest income tax cut in Montana’s history and a reduction in property taxes for primary residences and small businesses. Gianforte emphasized that these tax cuts are meant to provide immediate financial relief to residents and businesses, especially as inflation continues to impact many households across the state.
“We’re going to lower taxes again. We’re making it easier for small businesses. We’re going to lower property taxes for Montanans, but we’re also going to invest in education, roads and bridges, as well as law enforcement,” said Gianforte in a statement. “I think it’s a good budget, and I look forward to working with the legislature once they get back in January.”
The proposed budget also includes increased funding for education, infrastructure projects, and public safety. Gianforte has long advocated for greater investment in Montana’s roads and bridges, highlighting the need to address aging infrastructure and improve safety for residents. Similarly, his proposal includes measures to support law enforcement agencies, with a focus on ensuring public safety across the state.
The governor’s plan is already drawing attention from both sides of the political aisle, with some praising the tax cuts as a much-needed relief for Montanans, while others raise concerns about how the state will fund these ambitious proposals in the face of potential budget shortfalls. Critics argue that large tax cuts could limit the state’s ability to invest in essential services in the future.
However, Gianforte remains confident that his budget will help secure Montana’s long-term economic prosperity by stimulating growth and making the state more attractive to businesses. The governor has also emphasized his commitment to working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to achieve a balanced, sustainable budget that reflects the needs and priorities of Montanans.
As lawmakers prepare to convene in Helena next month, all eyes will be on how the state’s political leaders navigate these proposals and whether they can find common ground on issues such as tax reform, public spending, and infrastructure investment. The 2024 legislative session is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in recent years, with Gianforte’s bold agenda setting the stage for potentially significant changes to Montana’s fiscal landscape.
Whether the governor’s ambitious plan will gain enough support to pass remains to be seen, but it is clear that this legislative session will be one to watch as Montana looks to chart its course for the future.
