Helena update: Rep. Janna Taylor
The stimulus package is still on everyone’s mind. Senate Finance and Claims held a hearing last week to allow everyone to give their opinions on how the money should be spent. Most of the money is designated for specific programs, like $200 million for highways and roads. Montana will get to decide how about $200 million of the $800 million we will receive should be spent.
The exact number has changed a few times, from a low of $600 million to a high of $820 million.
I’ve had many people contact me about the negative effects of national debt. It is the Montana governor who signs off on the money the state receives, not the legislature. It is the legislature that appropriates the money and there are not enough votes to refuse to do so.
Everyone agrees that this money should not be spent on programs that continue, because there may not be any way to fund them in the future. Repairing a roof and insulating a school are the best uses.
The legislature will work with the governor’s plan and their hearing information and come up with House Bill 2A. Right now the state spending is in House Bill 2.
I am worried about putting money into the troubled retirement systems right now. All of the retirement money is invested. We all know what the market is doing. It could take major losses. Much of the retirement money is in bonds. Just like the stock market, interest on bonds has decreased significantly.
If you can, go to www.recovery.mt.gov and you will see much of the governor’s plan. There is also an interesting map that shows the high unemployment here in the northwest.
On another topic, the Senate defeated a driving while texting or using a cell phone, 17-32. We tabled a similar bill in the House Transportation Committee.
We have laws against careless driving and reckless driving. I think it is a mistake to try and list all possible ways a driver can be careless. We all see phone users, coffee drinkers and even people that are putting on make-up while driving. All of these are potential hazards.
I’ve been sitting in on the Reappraisal Sub-Committee whenever I can. They’ve come up with several mitigation plans for any property tax increases. Most of the plans call for six year phasing in of any increase.
Most of the plans, now called circuit breakers, are directed toward lower income property owners and involve the use of the Montana income tax forms. Senator Essman from Billings is on this committee and he would like to see no advantages go to out-of-state homeowners.
Lake County has the highest increase in residential value, 71 percent, compared to the other 55 Montana counties. We rank 44th in average yearly income. Our governor has decided on no total increase in property tax collected statewide. But, the Director of the Department of Revenue Dan Bucks has said that there will be winners and losers.
That means the property taxpayers of Lake County. I believe that responsible homeowners should not be taxed out of their homes.
In most of Montana, 70 percent of the property taxes collected stay at the local level. Lake County only keeps about 60 percent. Job layoffs and vacant houses will be very detrimental this reappraisal cycle.
We are beginning to see the budget bill, HB 2, details. The Appropriations Committee has worked to reduce much of the spending. It will be very interesting to hear the floor debate.
I work for the citizens of House District 11. Please continue to leave me messages at 406-444-4800, write Representative Janna Taylor, Capitol Building, Helena, MT 59620-0400, or e-mail me at jannataylor@montana.com.