Montana Senate backs GOP bills to cut taxes

On House Bill 96: Sen. Greg Jergeson, D-Chinook, voted no. Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, D_Box Elder, voted yes.

On House Bill 138: Jergeson and Windy Boy voted no.

HELENA (AP) — The Senate is backing Republican proposals to reduce taxes on business equipment and energy production.

The 3 percent equipment tax would be cut in half on the first $10 million of property under Senate Bill 96. It was endorsed 34-16 on Friday.

Supporters say it will help spur economic development by making Montana competitive with other states on tax structure. Opponents argue such tax cuts eventually shift the lost reven...