HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte delivered his third State of the State address to the Montana Legislature, focusing on securing the future for Montanans amidst a nationwide affordability crisis.
Gianforte highlighted accomplishments from the past four years and outlined his priorities for the state. He emphasized the need for tax cuts, housing reform, and energy solutions to help Montanans achieve the American dream.
“Since 2021, we’ve lowered the income tax rate most Montanans pay from 6.9% to 5.9%,” Gianforte said. He proposed further reducing it to 4.9%, providing over $850 million in permanent relief.
Addressing property taxes, Gianforte called for a homestead rate cut, estimating a 15% reduction for homeowners and 18% for small businesses. “This reform is estimated to lower property taxes for Montana homeowners by 15% and for small businesses by 18%,” he stated.
Gianforte also discussed the need for affordable housing. “In Montana, our population grew by nearly 10% between 2010 and 2020, while housing grew by less than 7%,” he said, highlighting the work of the Housing Task Force.
On energy, Gianforte announced the launch of an Unleashing Energy Task Force to meet growing demands. “We need long-term solutions to ensure we have affordable, reliable energy now and well into the future,” he added.
Education was another focus, with plans to boost teacher pay and create “cell phone-free” schools. “Building on success of the TEACH ACT, our budget invests a historic $100 million to raise teacher pay,” Gianforte said.
He addressed the protection of Montana’s children, emphasizing laws enacted to safeguard their wellbeing. “We’ve responded strongly and unequivocally to the far left’s extreme agenda that threatens the health, development, and wellbeing of Montana children,” he said.
Gianforte also criticized Washington, DC’s leadership, expressing confidence in President Trump’s upcoming administration. “Washington D.C. is dysfunctional and failing the American people,” he said.
The address concluded with a call to action for Montanans to focus on community and opportunity. “Our policies aim to unleash that spirit – to create an environment where every Montanan can pursue their dreams, prosper, and build a wonderful life,” Gianforte stated.
Senate Whip Shane Morigeau responded, pledging that Democrats will “Put Montanans First” by restoring freedom, fairness, and affordability. “Montana has been under Republican leadership for decades and people’s lives have not gotten better,” Morigeau said.
Democrats gained seats in both houses this last election cycle and they are pursuing a legislative agenda that promotes freedom, fairness, and affordability.
Democrats aim to promote bipartisanship, focusing on tax reform and renewing Montana’s Medicaid. “Democratic proposals all focus on the need to make Montana affordable again,” Morigeau added “It’s unacceptable that people are literally quitting their jobs because they can’t afford childcare.”
