If elected, our legislators will be called to make some very difficult decisions. Many times, it will take guts to make the tough choice. By signing the enclosed Taxpayer Protection Pledge legislators commit an act of courage, while being identified as a candidate of principle Some of you may know that the “no-new tax pledge” has been actively promoted in Montana for more than eight years. In 2010, signing the pledge is even more important. With declining state revenues and an increase in overall state spending, it is more important than ever to sign the pledge. Why? With the prospect of severe budget shortfalls, legislators will have to decide to either make significant cuts in the budget or to raise taxes. MTR’s position is that raising taxes on hard-working Montanans who are being forced to tighten their own fiscal belts due to the national economic downturn and irresponsible fiscal and spending policy would be the wrong decision. Our tax pledge calls on legislators to "oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes." It would require that legislators oppose any and all net increases in tax rates, introduction of new tax category, or decreases in deductions, exemptions, or credits unless offset at least dollar for dollar by decreases in other tax rates or by increases in other deductions, exemptions, or credits. It does, however, allow genuine tax reform that is revenue neutral. Our great nation is facing tremendous challenges over poor leadership on fiscal and budgetary matters. Our message to legislators is clear, “Don’t punish Montanans with higher taxes simply because we’ve grown the budget far faster than our economy or our population. Make the right choice. Sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge today!”
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The Taxpayer Protection Pledge is not intended to support any candidate for office. Montanans for Tax Reform is not urging people to vote for or against candidates based on whether they have signed the pledge.
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