Legislators of both parties agree: It’s time to look at Montana’s tax structure

While Montana’s Republican-dominated Legislature doesn’t seem to have an appetite for any tax increases, as lawmakers gathered in Helena last week there were increasing rumblings about changing how major economic sectors are taxed to reflect a 21st century economy.

"We’re good at taxing barrels of oil, bushels of wheat, tons of coal," said Sen. Llew Jones, a Republican from Conrad. "We’re not so good at taxing services."

Jones and other legislators gathered in Helena to debate recommendations to make to Gov. Steve Bullock as he considers possible statewide budget cuts of up to 10 percent. The cuts are necessary because revenues have come in lower than expected.

HOLLY K. MICHELS [email protected]

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