STRONG FAMILIES ARE THE FOUNDATION OF OUR SOCIETY
Flathead Valley Republican legislators believe it is essential to pass legislation that strengthens families and promotes responsibility
Eliminate the Montana marriage tax:
Many married Montanans are unaware that if they file separately, they may pay less taxes. Tax policy should encourage people to stay married and provide for the support of children. We believe that taxes must be fair and equitable and not penalize marriage.
Assist family owned businesses:
Many people are unaware that businesses must pay a tax each year on the equipment they use to earn a profit. This tax must be paid even when there is no profit. This tax applies to all equipment including small hand tools and office equipment. Republican legislators in 1999 reduced this tax from 6% to 3% and exempted many family owned businesses by excluding the first $5,000 worth of equipment. Most small businesses are family owned. In Flathead County over 5000 of these small businesses are now excluded from filing and the tax. In most of these cases the cost of doing the paper work was more costly than the amount of the tax. For example, $5,000 worth of equipment at 3% would have been $150 in tax. We believe that small businesses need assistance through tax policy as they are trying to grow into profitability. Raising the exclusion amount more to exempt additional small businesses would do this.
Keep housing affordable:
It is the dream of every Montanan family to own their home. The time, expertise and money needed to secure building permits and to meet new regulations increase every year. A balance must be struck between affordability and building a structure that will withstand every conceivable event or circumstance. We believe without this balance many Montanans will never experience the joy of owning their own home.
Make vehicle insurance more affordable:
People who drive illegally by not having car insurance pass that cost on to those of us who have insurance through increased premiums. It is estimated by insurance companies that 25% of the people who are driving do not have insurance. Car license plates/renewal should be withheld from those who cannot offer proof of car insurance. Also, insurance benefits should not be paid out by an insurance company to those who are at fault and have no insurance. We believe that vehicle insurance premiums must be made fair and equitable.
Provide full deductibility for medical expenses:
Montana tax code presently provides a tax deduction for long term health care and medical insurance. We believe that medical expenses should be fully deductible for those who must pay for their own medical care.
Adhere to penalties for those who provide drugs and pornography to children:
People who endanger children must be held accountable for their actions. We believe that law enforcement officers should be given time and resources to protect our children and that penalties be strictly administered by the court system.
STRONG FAMILIES, GOOD JOBS AND A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY WILL HELP SOLVE OUR BUDGET PROBLEMS. STRONG FAMILIES PROVIDE FOR THEIR CHILDREN AND TAKE CARE OF THEIR PARENTS RELIEVING THEIR NEIGHBORS (STATE) OF THAT RESPONSIBLITY.
