A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.

19 March 2015

Buttrey & GOP trying to raise income taxes on the poor

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On 25 February, Sen. Edward Buttrey (R-Great Falls), voted for HB-166, Rep. Keith Regier’s (R-Kalispell; HD-4) bill to lower personal income tax rates for everyone in Montana. Both chambers approved the bill, but Gov. Steve Bullock vetoed (veto statement) it on 6 March. An attempt in the House to override the veto failed on 10 March.

Now Buttrey’s going in the other direction via his Medicaid expansion bill, SB-405. He wants to slap a two percent income tax (he calls it a premium, but it quacks like a tax) on all who receive Medicaid. In some cases, that may double or triple the income tax rate for Montanans below the poverty level.

That approach is regressive, and mean-spirited to boot. It amounts to kicking people when they’re down.