taxes

A bill that would give a tax break to top earners in the state looks likely to land on Gov. Greg Gianforte’s desk soon, and a bill letting kids fight bullies has support.

As proposed, the measure would make the New Markets Tax Credit a permanent part of the tax code. If the bill passes, it could make funding available for Montana businesses and community programs.

Montana Public Service Commissioners would be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate instead of elected by voters if House Bill 755 becomes law.

Sue Malek writes, "We need the film industry in Montana and we expect our elected officials to do the right thing —- create good Montana jobs."

The bill would allocate $30 million of the coal tax fund to help pay for low-income housing across the state.

The measure would add an annual fee for each electric car to substitute for the gas tax that drivers of fuel-powered vehicles pay at the pump.

The bill introduced by Democrats would give small businesses tax breaks as long as they pay their employees a wage of $15 per hour or more.

a bill has been proposed that seeks to address the growth in local taxes by putting limits on how much large cities and counties can increase their total spending year to year.

As Montana officials seek to make nonprofit hospitals prove the benefits they provide the community justify their tax exemptions, industry leaders propose their own changes — which state officials say would further limit the state’s authority.

The fees would be levied on nonprofit churches, educational facilities, health care facilities, public museums, art galleries, zoos, facilities to care for people with disabilities and mental illness, athletic fields, low-income housing and more, according to the bill.