Governor Martz Announces Economic Development and Tax Reform Package Timelines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 2001
Contact: Dave Gibson
406-444-3111

(Helena) - Governor Judy Martz today announced the timeline for rollout of a comprehensive economic development and tax reform plan.

"Economic development is the centerpiece of this administration," said Governor Martz. "Appropriate economic development means retaining and creating good paying jobs while maintaining our good quality of life. In order to develop an effective plan to address those specific components, we must address both economic and tax reforms."

For the last several months, Governor Martz's chief business officer, Dave Gibson, and Revenue Director Kurt Alme have traveled around Montana to listen to ideas and proposals from around the state.

"To determine how to become economically competitive, we need to tap the ideas and experiences of the people of this state," said Governor Martz. "The people of Montana have within them what it takes to address the opportunities and challenges of economic development."

Based on continuing discussions with citizens and groups around the state, as well as the Capital For A Day forums, Governor Martz will announce a general plan for economic development in December.

Throughout the winter, specifics of the plan will be provided as appropriate statewide discussions are completed.

In addition, tax reform will remain as a key component in the state's economic development strategy.

"As a part of our work to develop a comprehensive economic strategy for Montana, we are also working to address the tax reforms that are necessary for economic development," said Governor Martz. "I will announce that tax package following the Montana Citizen's Partnership's Citizen's Jury next January."

A Citizen's Jury is a randomly selected and demographically representative panel of 18 to 20 citizens that meets for five days to carefully examine an important public policy issue.

"We understand that the jury will consider what is good tax policy for economic development," said Governor Martz. "Their discussions, which will take place early next year, will provide important information that we will take into consideration as we finalize the tax proposals."

The Citizen's Jury is not scheduled to convene until late January. In order to be sure that an earlier announcement of our policy does not influence the outcome of that process, Governor Martz will hold off on an announcement of the specific tax reform plan until February.

"All staff members are working together with the Economic Development Office to create one integrated plan for economic development," said Governor Martz.

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