Speech
Announcement of Tax Advisory Committees
Remarks of Governor Judy Martz
State Capitol
5/9/2002
Good afternoon. Thank you for joining me today as we move forward with the next step in the development of our tax plan with the goal of reducing income taxes by ten percent.
Revenue Director Kurt Alme and Chief Business Officer Dave Gibson have joined me today in this announcement, and are here to provide additional information. Thank you both for being here.
Our administration’s goal is to foster the development of good paying jobs for Montana families. Montana currently ranks 46th in the nation in per capita income – this must change.
As we finalize our economic development plan to address this issue, tax reform is a key component. We are confident that this plan will put money in the pockets of Montanans, bring in much-needed capital, and create and retain good paying jobs.
As you know, and from my experience, generally tax plans are not announced until immediately before a legislative session.
We’ve chosen a different approach. We outlined our plan on April 15 with the goal of establishing committees to review and refine the plan throughout the summer and fall. Our goal in this process is to provide the opportunity for extensive comment and discussion prior to the 2003 Session.
Today, I am pleased to announce our three tax advisory committees.
As we outlined on April 15, these three committees will draft recommendations in the areas of income tax reduction, a tourist tax and a local option tourist tax.
We appreciate the incredible public interest in these committees. I’d like to extend my sincere appreciation to
the many individuals who expressed an interest in serving in this capacity. This is an incredibly important proposal, and I was truly impressed with the number and quality of individuals we had to choose from.
I also thank those who have agreed to serve on one of the three committees. If there are any committee members here today, please stand and be recognized. (start applause)
These committees are an important part of our tax proposal. In preparation for the upcoming legislative session, Montanans must have the opportunity to provide input, insight and advice to ensure that this plan is successful.
These committees will provide that forum, while crafting detailed recommendations.
Through this process, we hope to address the concerns and ideas of constituents throughout Montana to ensure that the plan we present to the legislature that achieves our administration’s tax goals while providing the best possible chance of success.
The committees will meet throughout the summer, working within the parameters that we outlined when the tax plan was unveiled April 15. I look forward to receiving ongoing and final reports from the committees throughout the summer and fall as we prepare for the 2003 Session.
In your media packets, copies of the committee members’ names have been provided, as well as a copy of the executive orders and a news release for your information.
I’d now like to open the floor for questions.
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