Gianforte’s Property Tax “Task Force” is an Empty Cover Up for His Tax Failures
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
CONTACT
press@montanademocrats.org
Helena, MT – After raising Montanans’ property taxes so he could give tax breaks to big corporations, Governor Greg Gianforte has now announced he plans to appoint a task force to “fix” rising property taxes – with no members or stated objectives.
“Greg Gianforte had the chance to address his property tax debacle and make property taxes more affordable for Montana homeowners,” said MontanaDemocratic Party Executive Director Sheila Hogan. “He didn’t do that, and now he is making a transparent and weak attempt to save face. Montanans don’t need empty gestures, they need action, and Gianforte has failed every step of the way.”
BACKGROUND:
In November 2022, the Department of Revenue warned the state would see an historic property tax increase.
During the 2023 legislative session, Democratic legislators proposed solutions that would have provided much-needed property tax relief, but the Republican-controlled legislature and governor’s office refused to pass a permanent solution that would help homeowners, choosing instead to pass tax cuts for the wealthy.
Gianforte tried to tout the one-time checks the state sent to homeowners, but he’s been held accountable by Montanans who know he offered a bandaid, not a solution.
Now, many Montanans are facing tough decisions about their future in the state, 49 counties are preparing to send out supplemental tax bills, and some retired homeowners are even forced to go back to work to pay their property taxes.
Time and time again, Governor Gianforte has made Montana the most expensive it has ever been.
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