State Dems critical of governor's budget plans

State Democrats say they are worried that the governor’s budget proposal will steer money into the pockets of Montana’s wealthiest, rather than focus on tax relief for those who need it.

Montana’s budget surplus of $2 billion is set to be one of the main focuses of the 2023 legislative session. When it begins, Republicans will hold a supermajority in the Legislature as well as the governor’s office.

Gov. Greg Gianforte unveiled his proposed budget in November, emphasizing its property and income tax cuts, creation of a child tax credit, an adoption tax credit and funding for infrastructure projects.

“We are all looking at the same problems, we just have different solutions,” said Sen. Pat Flowers, D-Bozeman.

Flowers, who serves as Senate minority leader, joined Rep. Kim Abbott, D-Helena, the House minority leader in discussing their party’s budget priorities during a Dec. 7 press conference. The two touted the Democrats’ plan for surplus dollars as a proposal tailored for Montana’s working class, but offered few details. Instead, the pair largely criticized Gianforte’s budget proposal.

Still, there were points of possible agreement. For instance, the two expressed support for the inclusion of a child tax credit for local families. Gianforte’s budget proposes giving families with children under the age of six a tax credit of $1,200, per year.

Noting that securing child care is a big issue for many families, Abbott and Flowers were waiting on more details before lending it their endorsement. Those specifics include whether or not it is permanent or refundable, both of which are necessary, according to Abbott.

They also offered support for Gianforte’s proposal to spend about $300 million to boost the Montana State Hospital and another roughly $200 million to repair and expand the state prison. Still, they wanted to see more of an emphasis on staffing the two facilities.

When it came to Gianforte’s plans to address the housing crisis, the pair were more blunt in their assessment.

“The governor’s budget proposes no investment into housing which is unacceptable,” Flowers said.

Gianforte requested a $200 million investment in a water and sewer infrastructure fund that local governments can draw from to foster housing construction. Further, the governor’s office’s promotional materials on the budget tout $3 million in annual spending to give low income residents relief to mitigate the effects of property reappraisal.

Democrats, meanwhile, are looking to push a low income housing tax credit through the Legislature as well as create a way to work with landlords who are willing to rent at lower prices.

But with the party firmly in the minority, Abbott and Flowers said the Democrats’ goals when it came to budget negotiations were to avoid placing an increased tax burden on the state’s poorest residents.

The legislative session is set to begin Jan. 2 in Helena.

Reporter Kate Heston can be reached at 758-4459 or kheston@dailyinterlake.com.