LETTER: Bullock supports state's workers

My name is Rachel. I work as a caregiver. I’m writing to urge you to join me in voting to re-elect our governor, Steve Bullock.

As a hard working Montanan, I have a job I love. I take care of your loved ones, keeping them healthy and happy in their homes. Even so, I don’t make nearly enough to support me and my family. Groceries, gas, heat ... Every month, the money runs out way before the bills are paid.

In 2002, Gov. Bullock’s opponent said we should replace the state income tax with a sales tax. A sales tax is an unfair assault on all of us, but as a health-care worker that struggles to get by, it is an unfair attack aimed first at me, my family and families just like mine all over Montana. Sales taxes in other states have been proven to shift our shared tax burden onto the ones already struggling to make it.

My car is an older 1998 Subaru that I bought about three years ago. It already needs $1,000 in repairs I can’t afford. Here in rural Montana, the distance between my clients’ homes adds up quickly. I drive 25 miles one way for one client three times a week, and gas is already too expensive.

A sales tax just can’t happen in Montana. Here, we believe in sharing the load together, fairly. Maybe Steve’s opponent would know that if he were from here. Steve Bullock is a true Montanan. He shares our values, and he’ll fight for all of us. The fair and just way. The Montana way.

Join me in re-electing Gov. Bullock on Nov. 8. —Rachel Ray, Troy