Problems with right-wing fiscal policy in Helena

If citizens elect an anti-tax, anti-government legislature— like Montana’s 67th - it is not surprising that they get legislation that undermines government finances and weakens government services.

Oklahoma and Kansas are two states that tried an ideological approach to fiscal policy a few years back. The results were disastrous cuts to public services, a fiscal crisis in each state, and near bankruptcy in the case of Oklahoma. They discovered that you cannot continually drain a state’s general fund and expect government to perform critical functions.

Montana had a good state gover...