Governor Greg Gianforte, joined by Americans for Prosperity (AFP), rallied at the Montana State Capitol Friday to push for historic tax cuts aimed at providing significant relief to Montanans. The governor emphasized that his proposal offers the most conservative approach to tax reform, focusing on empowering individuals and families to keep more of their hard-earned money.
“We must cut taxes in a conservative way to ensure that our children and grandchildren have the opportunities they deserve right here in Montana, without having to leave the state,” Governor Gianforte said. Speaking in support of Senate Bill 323, sponsored by Sen. Josh Kassmier (R-Fort Benton), the governor outlined his plan to reduce the state’s income tax rates across all income levels.
The governor’s budget includes a $850 million permanent income tax cut, the largest in state history, which will lower the income tax rate from 5.9% to 4.9%. Montana currently has the highest income tax rate in the Rocky Mountain West, and this proposal is designed to alleviate some of the burden on working families.
Senator Kassmier expressed strong support for the measure, emphasizing that the tax relief will allow Montanans to invest in themselves and their futures. “When you can give the people’s money back, they’re better equipped to make decisions for themselves,” he said.
Jesse Ramos, AFP-Montana State Director, framed the tax cuts as a fight for freedom. “This isn’t just about lower taxes,” Ramos said. “This is about the freedom to keep more of what you earn—the money you’ve worked hard for. We trust Montanans to know how best to spend their own money, not bureaucrats or government officials.”
The rally also featured testimonials from Montanans who expressed support for the tax cuts. Bianca Lester, a single mother from Butte, shared her personal experience and how the tax cuts would provide critical relief. “I’m a single mom of four, and the rising cost of living is a challenge,” she said. “This bill would help families like mine keep more of our hard-earned income.”
Governor Gianforte has made tax reform a cornerstone of his tenure. In November, he unveiled his Path to Security and Prosperity, which outlines his budget for the next biennium, including his plan to lower income tax rates for Montanans at all income levels. This follows the tax code overhaul in 2021, which simplified Montana’s income tax structure from seven brackets to just two and reduced the tax rate from 6.9% to 5.9%.
Earlier this year, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis praised Montana’s efforts to cut income taxes and encouraged the legislature to pass the governor’s conservative tax proposals. Gianforte also drew comparisons between his tax cut proposal and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed by President Donald Trump in 2017, noting that it led to economic growth and prosperity for Americans at all income levels.
“We are fighting for tax cuts just like President Trump did in 2017,” said Gianforte. “That tax overhaul was the largest since 1986, and it delivered relief to families and businesses across America. We need to ensure that these tax cuts are permanent so that we don’t see tax rates go up again.”
AFP-Montana Legislative Director Henry Kreigel expressed strong support for Senate Bill 323, calling it the best tax reform policy of the legislative session. He stressed the importance of continuing the momentum created by the 2017 federal tax cuts and making sure Montanans continue to benefit from lower tax rates.
As the debate on Senate Bill 323 moves forward, proponents argue that the tax cuts will provide critical relief for hardworking families struggling with the rising cost of living. The bill was heard in the Senate Taxation Committee earlier today, where supporters reiterated the need for tax reform to ensure that all Montanans—regardless of income level—can keep more of their money and invest in their future.
By: DNU staff