Education

1. The 2008 school year spending for Education in Montana is approximately $ 1.4 Billion. We have about 144,000 students enrolled in Montana K-12 education. This figures out to be about $10,300 per student.

I feel that the spending is about right
I feel the spending is inadequate
I feel the spending should be increased substantially
I feel the spending is excessive

2. Much of the funding increases in recent years come with a mandate of added programs and restricted spending.

I feel that the local School Board should have greater discretion in using the funds allotted to the district
I feel the state better understands the education system and should direct where the funds are allocated
Local taxpayers should have more control over non-curriculum school spending

Public Access/Personal Property Rights

Question 3:

Montana must continue to allow public access and multiple uses of public lands.
The state must contract for the right to cross private land for public access to state lands.
Montana should defend a private landowners’ right to use his property as desired as long as that use does not violate state statute or federal laws      
Montana Agriculture should not be forced to reduce water usage to maintain stream flow except in extreme circumstances.

Natural Resources

4. Montana School Trust Lands have massive Coal reserves; We should:

Continue to restrict mining or development
Allow limited mining operations with strict environmental oversight and recovery of disturbed area.
Allow mining at a larger scale and the construction of a “clean burning” coal fired generation facility with environmental oversight and restoration.
Allow several mining/generation facilities with transmission lines to market power out of state. (would be required to comply with Montana environmental laws)

5. If the Revenue generated from the development of the School Trust coal fields would significantly reduce your property taxes and increase education funding would you change your answer
Yes
No

Economic Growth

6. Montana currently ranks 47th in per capita income in the US.
We should increase incentives to encourage companies to locate or expand in Montana
Montana should eliminate the Business Equipment Tax to be competitive with our neighboring states.
Montana should reduce the “Red Tape” to make it easier for businesses to operate.
The Montana Corporation License Tax is too low, we should increase it to generate more revenue.
Montana should expand its business recruitment activities to encourage more large corporations to relocate here

Taxes

7. I feel my...
Property Taxes are too high
Property Taxes are fair
Property Taxes are too low
Property Taxes are not balanced with other peoples’ taxes

8. I feel that my Montana...

Income Taxes are about right
Income Taxes are a good bargain
Income taxes are too high

9. My feeling about a general sales tax (MT has a Maximum 4% in Constitution):
No way under any circumstance
Maybe if another tax was eliminated (Property or Income)
If it was only on non-essential items (not on food, medical, housing)
We could use the added revenue

Additional Comments:

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