During the last legislative session and despite strong opposition from our tax pledge signers, more than $1.4 billion budget surplus was spent in its entirety. Much of it went to existing programs and to increase the number of state employees, particularly in the Department of Revenue. During this next legislative session, our governor and our legislature will be faced with the difficult question of "how can we generate more revenue?" Far too many will want the simple solution, the one that causes our economy the most problems. They will want to increase taxes. It is the wrong answer. That's where the Taxpayer Protection Pledge comes in.
Just like Montana families are forced to reduce their costs when times are tough, so must our government.
The tax pledge calls on legislators to "oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes." It would require that they oppose, vote against and not vote for any net increase in tax rates 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.
We believe that protecting the pocketbooks of hard-working Montanans is a critically important to economic development and to the free market system. Since 2002, Montanans for Tax Reform has worked to help make Montana the best place for Montana's families and small businesses. Reducing taxes and the size of government are critical components to supporting economic development, job creation and the control of your financial life.
