Your Turn

For the most part Montanans play by the rules even when it comes to that dreary deadline on April 15, tax day. Over 97 percent of Montanans pay the taxes they owe. What most of us don't know is that out-of-state businesses and individuals only pay on average 25 percent of what they owe to the state. Three bills, carried by House Democrats, would have reined in out-of-state delinquent taxes and dealt with a basic principle -- fairness.

Businesses and individuals who do business in Montana would be held to the same rules as Montanans -- collectively thought to be a nonpartisan issue. It was unfortunate that House Republicans blocked the opportunity to close these loopholes and eliminate the competitive advantage for non-resident businesses and individuals.

The bills focused specifically on out-of-staters who do business in Montana and are cheating Montana by not playing by the rules. It makes sense to collect over $10 million owed to the state by out-of-staters, just as House Bill 100 would have allowed. It makes sense to support House Bill 74 as both the Montana Petroleum Association and the Montana Mining Association did, to collect taxes from out-of-state oil and gas companies awash with record profits who own mineral royalties here in Montana. It makes sense to require grantor trusts to file a tax form, instead of allowing non-residents to hide income that would otherwise be taxable in Montana, as required by House Bill 109.

In our mind, it just makes sense to hold businesses and individuals who do business in Montana to the same level as we ourselves are held -- leveling the playing field. The House Democrats see no reason to continue to allow out-of-state businesses a competitive advantage over our businesses right here in Montana. By neglecting this important issue we are cost shifting the tax burden onto Montana taxpayers; the mom-and-pop stores that play by the rules.

We are very concerned that House Republicans will not stand up and protect Montana taxpayers. Every Republican member of the House voted against an amendment to the Tax Payers Bill of Rights to hold out-of-staters accountable for the taxes they owe Montana. What message is this body sending Montanans when we protect out-of-state interests over our own?

These three bills are pro-business, pro-competition, pro-fairness, pro-law-abiding citizen, and pro-Montana. We urge you to contact your legislator and ask them to support these measures to level the playing field for Montanans.

(Legislative contact Number: (406)444-4800)

Rep. Bob Bergren of Hill County carried HB 100

Rep. Margarett Campbell of Fort Peck carried HB 74

Rep. Ron Erickson of Missoula carried HB 109