Schweitzer's fiscal discipline

Gov. Brian Schweitzer deserves another tip of the hat for the fiscal discipline of state government under his leadership.

While there are no doubt still improvements to be made, the governor has exhibited considerable resolve for the past six years in helping Montana to remain in the black while other states have sunk into financial turmoil.

That has meant a combination of administrative cutbacks and streamlined revenue collection in various departments across the board.

The most recent example of Schweitzer’s creative management came this week when the governor announced that he’s sending the Department of Revenue after online travel booking sites and out-of-state oil lease traders that may be avoiding their fair share of Montana taxes.

While Internet retailers have been exempted from collecting state sales taxes, no similar exemption exists for the state’s lodging tax, which is currently 7 percent. Other states have had success proving that some online companies don’t pay part of the tax that is due, and there’s no reason to expect Montana won’t be able to do the same.

In the same way, nonresidents who package and trade Montana oil leases can evade the income taxes due on those transactions.

As Gov. Schweitzer noted, “It is millions of dollars that is slipping through our hands.”

Eternal vigilance is said to be the price of liberty; it may also turn out to be the source of a balanced budget.

THE VALUE of community is being demonstrated at Creston School.

The school, strapped for space, asked its families to help — and they responded in a big way.

Thanks to donated time, labor and supplies, the school soon will have a completed 400-square-foot classroom plus a supply closet remodeled into a learning center.

Given the difficulties other school districts encountered in getting voter approval for bond issues in this tough economy, Creston officials couldn’t justify asking taxpayers for more money.

They could ask for help and they got plenty of it. Parents of Creston students have pitched in — many of them with volunteer construction labor — to provide a wonderful gift from the community to the school.