Big Sky Blueprint: AFP-Montana Announces Legislative Priorities 

Jan 15, 2025 by AFP

HELENA, MT – Montana, a state once known for its strong middle class and thriving industries, finds itself at a crossroads. Over the past few decades, the state has seen a gradual decline in key areas like education, economic opportunity, and housing affordability. The time has come to reclaim the promise of Montana and chart a path back to prosperity. 

From Past Strength to Present Challenges 

Decades ago, Montana was a beacon of opportunity. Industries like logging, mining, and agriculture provided well-paying, stable jobs that allowed families to flourish. The state’s schools equipped children with the skills they needed to succeed, and homeownership was within reach for most Montanans. Median household income ranked near the middle nationally, and Montana’s economy stood strong. 

But today, Montana has slipped. The state now ranks 46th in median household income and 48th in total GDP. Job growth has slowed to 43rd nationally, and wages have stagnated, ranking 46th in growth over the past decade. Rising housing costs, driven by repressive government policies, have pushed homeownership further out of reach for many families. Even Montana’s education system, once a source of pride, has dropped to 30th nationally, with proficiency in math and reading ranking even lower. These statistics tell a story of a state struggling to provide opportunities for its people. 

The Costs of Decline 

The impacts of this decline are felt across the state. Rural communities that once thrived on logging and mining have seen economic stagnation as regulations and lawsuits have stifled natural resource industries. In these areas, job losses have driven young people away, leaving aging populations and shrinking tax bases. Meanwhile, the shift toward a tourism-centric economy has created jobs that are often seasonal, lower-paying, and less stable—leaving many Montanans vulnerable to economic downturns. 

The housing market reflects these broader challenges. Montana’s rising property taxes are 44% higher per capita than those of neighboring states like Wyoming and Idaho, placing a significant burden on homeowners and farmers. According to recent data from the National Association of Realtors, Montana is now the least affordable state in America for buying a home. This, coupled with increasing demand from out-of-state buyers, has made it harder for Montanans to afford homes in the communities they grew up in. 

A Vision for Renewal 

Montana’s challenges are significant, but they are not insurmountable. The state can reclaim its promise by focusing on the priorities that once made it strong: empowering families, fostering economic opportunity, and ensuring government serves as a partner—not an obstacle—to progress. 

  1. Education Reform: Montana’s students deserve an education that equips them for success. The MAPPS Act allows parents to receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $8,000 for funds spent on prequalified education resources for their child. These resources include private school tuition, tutoring, online learning programs, and other personalized educational options. The act also allows individuals and businesses to make charitable donations of up to $200,000 and receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. Additionally, parents below 500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) can apply for funding of up to $8,000 per student per school year. By empowering parents to make decisions about their child’s education, the MAPPS Act ensures that each student has access to the learning environment that best supports their growth.
  2. REINS ACT: Montana has shifted from high-paying natural resource jobs to low-paying tourism industry jobs. By ensuring that laws are made by Montana’s elected representatives and not undermined by rules and regulations written by unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats, through a REINS act we can responsibly develop these resources, create high-paying jobs and reinvigorate rural communities. Montana’s timber, mining, and energy sectors can once again be engines of economic growth. By reining in unnecessary regulations, Montana can foster an environment where entrepreneurs and small businesses thrive. These changes will create more jobs and drive wage growth, giving Montanans greater opportunities to succeed. 
  3. Pension Reform: Montana’s pension system faces significant challenges, with an underfunded defined benefit plan placing growing financial pressure on the state. The current system locks employees into rigid retirement structures, leaves taxpayers exposed to increasing liabilities, and jeopardizes long-term financial sustainability. Transitioning to a defined contribution plan offers a solution by empowering employees with greater flexibility, portability, and control over their retirement savings. At the same time, it reduces the state’s financial risk, ensuring a solvent system that protects current retirees while creating a more adaptable and sustainable future for Montana’s workforce. 
  4. Judicial Reform: Montana’s judiciary must respect its role as an interpreter of laws, not a maker of them, adhering to originalist principles and the separation of powers. Too often, bills passed with overwhelming majorities are overthrown by a single judge or the State Supreme Court.  Reform is needed to restore the judiciary’s constitutionally limited role. Judicial candidates should have the option to declare party affiliation or remain neutral, ensuring transparency, protecting rights of association and providing more voter information. Creating a special court system allowing defendants to request a one-time venue change ensures fairness. Additionally, the judiciary’s role in energy and environmental permitting should remain limited to interpreting regulations, leaving lawmaking to the legislature. These reforms uphold democratic processes and reinforce the proper balance of power. 

Reclaiming Montana’s Promise 

Montana has a proud history of self-reliance and opportunity. By addressing today’s challenges head-on, we can build a future that honors that legacy. Through bold reforms, we can restore Montana’s economy, strengthen its communities, and ensure that every Montanan has the opportunity to thrive. It’s time to reclaim our state’s promise and forge a path back to prosperity—together. 

AFP-Montana State Director Jesse Ramos released the following statement:  

“Montana is at a turning point, and we can’t afford to keep falling behind. Our families, our education system, and our businesses deserve better than the heavy hand of government and rules made by people we didn’t elect. It’s time to give parents real choices in their kids’ education, bring back good-paying jobs in industries that built our state, and make sure decisions are in the hands of Montanans—not unelected bureaucrats. We’re working to rebuild a stronger, freer Montana where hard work pays off, opportunities are everywhere, and every family can thrive. It’s time to take back our state and secure a better future for everyone”  

“We look forward to working alongside the policy champions in the legislature determined to improve the lives of each and every Montanan.” 

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