HELENA (AP)
The governor’s proposed $400-per-homeowner tax rebate is on its way to a full vote on the state Senate floor. A vote Wednesday down party lines, sending the measure out of committee, shows the big partisan split over competing tax relief plans. Democrats back Gov. Brian Schweitzer’s proposal, which centers on the $100 million property tax relief that specifically excludes large corporations and wealthy out-of-state owners of vacation homes. Republicans want to lower property tax rates for everyone under a plan they say would be permanent unless a future Legislature takes away the reductions. Democrats have the votes in the Senate to pass the governor’s plan, and the Senate Taxation Committee passed the measure on a 6-5 vote. It goes to the full Senate, where Democrats hold a 26-24 edge. “It is homeowners’ property tax relief, and it’s about time,” Schweitzer said in a statement. “I commend the Senate Taxation Committee for their vote today.” Republicans in the House, where the GOP holds a slim majority, are still working on their tax bill. Senate Bill 139.
