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This week is a busy one for the MBPC team. In addition to tracking the budget, MBPC will be testifying on a number of important bills that will have big impacts on families and our state budget. If you are willing to make your voice heard on these bills we encourage you to contact your legislator at 406-444-4800 or go to https://leg.mt.gov/web-messaging/ to send a message. Legislators are more willing to reconsider their positions if they hear directly from their constituents. Our recommended positions are noted below. If you want to learn more about the research and policy analysis on any of these bills, check out the resource section at the bottom of the email. Tomorrow, February 9: House Bill 303 will have a hearing in the House Taxation committee at 8:00am. The Business Investment Grows (BIG) Jobs Act, would reduce the business equipment tax – again – exempting another 4,000 large businesses from this tax which will eventually shift property taxes on to residents and would result in a loss of state revenue. MPBC opposes. Wednesday, February 10: House Bill 228 – the paid family and medical leave plan – will have a hearing in the House Business and Labor committee at 8:30am.This policy would allow workers to receive a portion of their wages while they are on leave to care for themselves or a loved one. Small contributions less than 1% of employee wages would fund the program. MBPC supports. House Bill 279 is a plan to create an expensive tuition tax credit that diverts funding from public schools and harms students and communities. This bill will have a hearing in the House Education committee at 3:00pm. MBPC opposes. |
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