It’s Tax Day! Let’s Invest in Montana.
Apr 18, 2016
By MBPC Staff
We had a few extra days this year to file our taxes, so today, April 18th, is the official Tax Day! This past week, we have been posting quotes from real Montanans who are reminding us all about the importance of taxes in fulfilling our shared vision of a better Montana and stronger communities.
Our taxes enable us to invest in the building blocks of a strong economy and the quality of life that makes Montana such a great place to live.
The Montana Department of Revenue’s biennial report is a good roadmap for learning about how tax revenue is invested back into our communities.
- Tax dollars are used to support education in Montana more than anything else. The money helps build and support Montana public schools, community colleges, universities, and tribal colleges. These investments make it possible for Montanans to compete in today’s global economy and helps businesses access the skilled workers they need to thrive. Tax dollars sustain a high quality education through our teachers and programs. And this is an investment we can be proud of. This past year, Montana’s graduation rate reached a historic high of 86 percent. This upfront investment in our children has rippling effects across the state and into the future. This same report notes that these higher graduation rates will result in additional earnings of $90 million over students’ lifetimes, producing higher revenue for the state and greater economic activity in local communities in the future.
- State and local spending helps build and maintain roads and bridges and supports the police and firefighters that protect our communities. Investments in infrastructure ensure that our highways and bridges are well maintained and safe to travel so we can get to and from work and explore all of the beautiful places in our state.
- Montana also invests in protecting our natural resources and environment, including the parks, trails, and forests we all enjoy. Both state and federal tax dollars maintain and conserve 54 state parks and two national parks so we can continue to camp, fish, and hike throughout Montana.
Tax dollars support the everyday necessities we rely on like police officers, clean water, hospitals, and public schools. These funds also sustain items that enrich our lives like parks and libraries. On this Tax Day, take a moment to consider just how much taxes improve you and your family’s well-being.
