Pit bull ban gets barked out of Helena

On a 17-1 vote in the Local Government Committee, we voted down an attempted ban on Pit Bull Terriers. Some 200 people came to peacefully testify against the bill. It was quite the scene, several pit bulls and their owners marching around the Capitol.  Some added measures were taken to provide security and order. To me, it makes a lot more sense to legislate harsher penalties for uncontrolled dogs. Maybe next term. 

This week the Select Committee on Taxation met to start hearings on the re-appraisal of property. Commercial, industrial, agricultural and residential properties have all been re-appraised throughout the state to determine new valuations. This process is mandated by state statute and takes place every six years. The committee is made up of Representatives and Senators from both parties. The committee was hand-selected with members experienced in regional issues along with experience in taxation.

Once the values of each county have been determined, the committee then decides at what tax rate the counties will be assessed throughout the state. I personally was not placed on the committee, however I have been attending the hearings and taking notes on the testimony of the Department of Revenue employees. This is a regionally hot topic. Some values have gone way up and others have gone down. I was told that there are many factors in this process that help mitigate any big winners and losers.

Many of you have called or emailed me with your concerns about higher property taxes in general. We have many on fixed retirement budgets and many others who are feeling the effects of this recession. It is especially important that we do all that we can to keep our property taxes low and to lower taxes if possible. The process of re-appraisal is just underway, I will update you all in the weeks to come.  Or once again, you can email me at sreichner@centurytel.net for any questions.

Our spending this session, so far, has been held on a very tight leash. Both parties are very aware of our financial situation and party leaders on both sides have held all spending bills back for now. I do think this will change soon, especially when we hear more from the federal government on the upcoming stimulus package. Like it or not, it looks like it is coming.