AFP-Montana Launches Accountability Effort Targeting Lawmakers Who Blocked Property Tax Relief and Protected Corporate Welfare

Jan 26, 2026 by AFP

Helena, MT — Americans for Prosperity–Montana (AFP-Montana) today announced a statewide accountability initiative targeting legislators who refused to stand up for Montana families being crushed by rising property taxes and instead protected a system that diverts massive sums into corporate welfare through Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

Statewide data shows more than $90 million in property taxes are taken every year through TIF and directed to private companies and “special” projects. In addition, Montanans are shackled to more than $200 million in TIF debt that they were never allowed to vote on. As this money is siphoned away, cities, counties, and schools lose access to tax growth, leading to higher levies, higher rates, or service cuts that push more pressure onto property owners.

This accountability effort is based on whether lawmakers supported reforms that would meaningfully change TIF policy — not symbolic or weakened measures that leave the system largely intact.

AFP-Montana is focusing on lawmakers who voted NO on SB 523 in 2023 or NO on SB 2 in 2025. SB 523 would have addressed the core structural problems with TIF that drive property tax pressure. After testimony from over 60 Montanans from across the state, non-profits, and the School Administrators of Montana, these legislators didn’t just oppose reform — they voted to kill the bill before it could even reach the House floor, blocking debate and a public vote. SB 2 in 2025 in its original form would have drastically improved the problem but was heavily amended by many of these same legislators to the point that it would have barely moved the needle on reform, yet some lawmakers still refused even the amended version.

Legislators who voted NO on SB 523 (2023) include Reps. Brad Barker (HD 55), Dave Bedey (HD 86), Ed Buttrey (HD 21), Llew Jones (HD 17), Linda Reksten (HD 13), Kenneth Walsh (HD 69), and George Nikolakakos (HD 26). Legislators who voted NO on SB 2 (2025) include Reps. Valerie Moore (HD 29) and Eric Albus (HD 28).

AFP–Montana strongly believes in capitalism and free markets, where success is earned, and taxpayers are not forced to subsidize private interests. TIF, as practiced today, is government influence over business, government picking winners and losers, and crony capitalism dressed up as development policy.

This accountability effort will include direct mail, digital advertising, radio, and grassroots outreach on the phones and doors to ensure voters understand these lawmakers’ records and their impact.

Statement from Jesse Ramos, AFP–Montana State Director and former Missoula City Councilman:

“Montanans are being taxed out of their homes while politicians allow millions in property tax dollars to be handed out as corporate welfare and doled out to political pet projects. That’s an abuse of the system. When downtown Bozeman and Missoula are called “blighted” by politicians to justify continued TIF usage, it is the legislature’s job to step in and ensure that Montanans’ property taxes are used for core government services.

“Free markets mean competition and fairness — not government picking winners and losers and gambling with taxpayer dollars. TIF has become crony capitalism, and represents privatized gains and socialized losses, and taxpayers are paying the price.”