Govenor kept word on 'no new taxes'
Pub Date: 12/1/2008
By Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer
Montana is fortunate to be weathering the economic turmoil wreaking havoc on our nation s economy.
In fact, our economic rankings in the nation continue to climb due to our pro-business environment and sound policies.
Montana currently has the following high national rankings:
Overall business climate seventh
Best overall tax climate for business sixth
Best sales tax climate for business third
Quality of life eighth
Manufacturing momentum ninth
Most educated workforce 11th
Best education climate 19th
In addition, Montana is one of the fastest growing economies in America (seventh) over the last three years, and third fastest in last six months. Montana has had record low annual unemployment rates in each of the last three years (2005 3.6 percent'; 2006 3.2 percent'; 2007 3.1 percent). Also, we have had one of lowest unemployment rates in the nation (1.4 percent 1.6 percernt below national rate for the 2005-2007 period, currently 1.9 percent below national rate).
Montana s taxation rankings from the Tax Foundation are excellent: for the second consecutive year the state ranks sixth best on the list of most tax-friendly states (state business tax climate rankings) and has the 11th best combined state and local tax burden.
The heart of Montana is our Main Streets. Taverns and other small businesses play a central role in keeping dollars in our communities. Consequently, growing our economy and continuing to strengthen our main streets is critically important.
Energy production is one area that has seen significant growth in the past four years. Montana has had a 40 percent Increase in oil production from 2004-2007, making us number one in the nation, a 35 percent increase in coal output in recent years and Montana s wind power generation has increased 27,000 percent from 1 megawatt to 271 megawatts.
Economic development that helps Main Street has been a priority for my administration, and I assure you it will continue to be a driving force Montana is open for business!
Together we have created 1,348 jobs per month since 2005. That s 59,000 new jobs in the state in four years. Beginning with our small businesses, we will continue our commitment to strengthening our local economies.
We, like you, must continue to be dedicated to good fiscal management. Montana has had its bond rating upgraded for the first time in 26 years by three national rating services based on the state's conservative financial practices. The new ratings mean that Montana will pay lower interest costs on debt. That is good news for everyone, especially in this changing national economy.
Four years ago I pledged to you there would be no new tax increases and I have been true to that pledge.
I look forward to continuing to work with you to make our great state even better. Growing our state is something I can t do alone so I want to hear from you.
Please visit our website at and submit your good ideas or apply for boards or councils. Or stop by when you are in Helena the door is always open.
Montana is a special place. It is the best place to start a business, raise a family and build a community. Thank you for your commitment to Montana s main streets. I appreciate all that our tavern owners and small businesses contribute.
Happy holidays!
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, December, 2008, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.