July 05, 2006
Governor Schweitzer's square deal: Legislation to Suspend Water Tax
(GREAT FALLS) Governor Brian Schweitzer today announced he intends to propose to the 2007 Legislative Session a bill to suspend the water tax (HB 22). The suspension would apply to those who paid less than $400. Under this proposal those people would get their money back. The Governor has targeted hardworking Montanans, not big corporations to receive the benefit.
"I want to give Montanans a square deal," said Governor Schweitzer. "The acceleration of the adjudication process is critical to protecting Montana's water. But it can be done without placing an unnecessary burden on family farmers and ranchers."
The Governor's proposal:
Suspend the Water Tax (HB 22) -The "Square Deal" proposal would set aside about $20 million in one-time money for the water adjudication process. Under this proposal, water users who paid $400 or less would get their money back.
House Bill 22 was a scheme hatched in the Environmental Quality Council, a committee appointed by the 2003 Senate and House leadership under Speaker Doug Mood (R-Seeley Lake) and President Bob Keenan (R-Bigfork). The bill was brought before the 2005 Legislature by Rep. Walter McNutt (R-Sidney). The bill received support from the lobbyists of the Montana Stockgrowers Association and the Montana Farm Bureau.
"I have been in all 56 counties and folks don't support this," said Governor Schweitzer. "I have been listening to people from across the state and I have opposed this idea since it was first proposed in 2004. Those who claim they represent the farm and ranch people of this state should be listening too."
The average amount paid by the close to 90,000 Montanans was $45.00. This is the second announcement in a series of announcements to come on "Schweitzer's Square Deal with Montanans."
Last week the Governor announced his proposal for rebating Montana homeowners $100 million of one time money or about $400 per homeowner. The Governor's proposal would give all the money to homeowners not to big corporations.
The Schweitzer administration has not raised taxes and does not support raising taxes. Governor Schweitzer advanced legislation that eliminated the business equipment tax for 13,000 small businesses. Recently Montana was ranked number 9 in best tax code for business and 12th best in state and local tax burden by The Tax Foundation and has the third fastest growing economy.
Posted by admin at July 5, 2006 01:41 PM