Breaking news: Schweitzer proposes business, property tax cuts

HELENA (AP) — Gov. Brian Schweitzer launched plans Monday to cut almost all the state's tax on business equipment and give homeowners a property tax refund as part of his budget plan — making tax relief a primary goal even before Republican lawmakers taking over the Legislature have a chance to do so.

The Democratic governor unveiled the highlights of his budget plan to a room full of agency directors, staff and a few Republicans who will be running the Legislature at the start of the year.

Schweitzer said his budget increases base funding for local schools and higher education to ensure Monta...