Bill's property tax break is broken

Beware SB520!

Senate Bill 520 is being promoted as a "property tax break" with a slight "income tax adjustment" and has already been passed by the Montana Senate. Here are the facts:

1. SB 520 will increase Montana's top marginal income tax rate from 6.9 percent to 7.8 percent. For any earnings you have over $24,000, your Montana income tax will increase by 13 percent. Is it smart for Montana to adopt one of the highest income tax rates in the country?

2. SB 520 gives a property tax break to those who don't need it. Under SB 460 passed by the previous legislature, over 55 percent of Montana residents (mostly eastern Montana) saw a reduction in the taxable market value of their property, but they will still receive a property tax credit under SB 520. Is this fair?

3. The maximum property tax rebate is only $155 and if you and your spouse both work and earn over $45,000, you lose the rebate. Is that fair?

This is a bad bill. It is bad for attracting new business to Montana. It is bad for hard working couples where both spouses work. And it is not a solution for the 1 in 11 Montana residents who saw a 45 percent increase in their property taxes as a result of the 2003 reappraisal. Please contact your local legislators, Senator Dan Weinberg and Representative Mike Jopek, at (406) 444-4800 and let them know what you think.

Montana Residents for fair Property Taxation - MRFPT

Jim Stack

Thanks for Hope Ranch pampering

I just want to recognize and thank the professional staff at Sage Spa & Salon for giving their time and talent to the residents at Hope Ranch. On Sunday, March 20, Shelli, Ingrid, Melissa, Andrea, and Melissa from the Spa came up to Hope Ranch and did manicures and hair cuts for some of the girls.

This type of community dedication and enthusiasm inspires the girls to stay motivated with their recovery. I am so proud to live in an area that truly cares about making a difference in the lives of others.

On behalf of all the girls and staff at Hope Ranch, Thanks so very much!

Linda Carpenter, Executive Director

Hope Ranch, Whitefish

Springhetti 2005 a huge success

To all the wonderful people in our community, I say THANK YOU for your continued support to our fourth annual PTA Springhetti event! We appreciate all the time, effort and/or resources businesses, teachers, administrators, parents, students and community members contributed to make this night a fun-filled and successful evening for children and adults alike!

Since PTA's purpose is to improve the lives of the children and to speak on their behalf, when PTA is supported, the children are supported!

Again, we thank you and appreciate all that you do for our kids!

The Whitefish PTA