Special Interest groups have scores of high paid lobbyists roaming the halls of the capital, looking out for them but who’s looking out for the tax-payers? The Montana Public Policy Center Tax-payer protection initiative is a commonsense, comprehensive policy proposals designed to put the tax-payer’s firs, not special interest.
End Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying: Governments hiring lobbyists constitutes a misuse of public money, a violation of the public trust, and an infringement on citizens’ constitutional right to petition their representatives for a redress of grievances. Montana must make it a top priority to stop the practice of local governments using tax dollars to employ lobbyists, who often advocate against the interests of the people.
Pass a Conservative Budget: The state budget for the next two-years should not grow faster than our ability to pay for it. Legislators should limit the growth of the budget to no more than the increase of population and inflation, personal income growth, or gross state product, whichever is lower.
Reform the Public Information Act: Government agencies have too often abused the Montana Public Records Act, including wrongly withholding information, delaying disclosure, charging exorbitant fees, restricting access, and preventing documentation. We should put power back in the hands of the public by reforming the Montana Public Records Act.
Maximize Public Participation in Bond Elections: Montana should increase the threshold needed to approve a bond proposition and require these propositions to be held during general election cycles to encourage greater participation. The threshold to approve a bond should be 60% or more.
Reform TIF Districts: Local governments have abused the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) system for too long. Once a legitimate to revitalize blighted areas, they are now commonly, little more than corporate welfare. By redirecting property tax revenue from TIF districts away from general funds, local governments are burden on all taxpayers. Too many local governments struggle to maintain or improve essential services like schools, infrastructure, and public safety but are giving millions to private developers for politicians’’ pet projects.
