MT Dems Aim High

Democratic state lawmakers are targeting various spending projects to address affordable housing, child care and mental health services along with property tax relief. Since the Montana Legislature has a projected a $1.7 billion budget surplus driven by higher than expected tax revenues, Democrats are proposing allocating $750 million for programs and services with $250 million refunded as targeted property tax relief. With so many people moving into Montana, real estate inventory is low - keeping homes out of reach for many, so $500 million would go toward affordable housing construction programs. The plan would also allocate $125 million to child care. It could be an uphill battle with Democrats the minority in both branches of the Legislature and it would also need the signature of Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte to see the proposals become law.