State of Montana Archives: on Budget & Economy
Albert Olszewski:
For balanced budget instead of intergenerational theft
The federal government's inability to live within a balanced budget is shameful. Our generation is saddling future generations through intergenerational theft. We are stealing from our children,
and our children's children to pay for today's big government. I will stand with those who wish to pass a balanced budget amendment. Our federal government has proven that it cannot, by will power or legislation alone, live within their means.
Source: 2018 Montana Senatorial website AlForSenate.us
Oct 1, 2017
Amanda Curtis:
Economy that works for all of us, not just for the richest
Speech Accepting the Party's Nomination: "For the next three months, we're going to cross this state--towns small and large--and we're going to talk to people. We're going to share this vision--of an economy that works for all of us,
not just for the richest Americans, but beyond that we're going to listen because there's a hunger--a hunger for people to have leaders who actually listen for a change.
Source: 2014 Montana Senate campaign website, AmandaForMontana.com
Aug 16, 2014
Brad Johnson:
Revitalize our traditional economic base
In the past half century we have seen Montana's per capita income plummet from 10th highest in the country to 49th and our most valuable export has become young Montanans graduating from our university system.
This precipitous decline is tied directly to the decline of our natural resource based industries. We cannot hope to recapture the prosperity that once was ours without a concerted and sustained effort to revitalize our traditional economic base.
Source: 2016 Gubernatorial campaign website, BradForMontana.com
Dec 10, 2015
Casey Schreiner:
Shift education funding from local property tax
Schreiner said, "People want the education system to flourish and they want the kids who have the most needs to be taken care of and have the opportunity to be successful, but they are also kind of tired of people putting it on the backs of local
property tax payers, so they would like to see the state play a larger role in how we help our school out rather than diverting those costs locally, which has happened year after year since I have been in the Legislature."
Source: Havre Daily News on 2020 Montana gubernatorial race
Dec 17, 2019
Champ Edmunds:
The borrower is servant to the lender
Question topic: Free enterprise and the right to private property turn mankind's natural self interest into the fairest and most productive economic system there is, and are the key to national prosperity.
Edmunds: Strongly Agree.
Question topic: Briefly list political or legislative issues of most concern to you.
Edmunds: National Debt. The borrower is servant to the lender. We need to be a debt free Government and a debt free nation.
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Montana Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
Conrad Burns:
Grow economy & control spending to reduce deficit
Q: How would you reduce the federal deficit?JONES: That’s easy for me. Eliminate unconstitutional departments and agencies.
BURNS: There’s only one way to control the deficit--grow the economy and control spending. We have brought down spending on
the discretionary spending - the part we have some control over. The non-discretionary part is troubling. We’re continuing with the tax cuts which have energized the economy--that’s the way you take care of the deficit. We didn’t ask for 9/11, or
Katrina, or the war on terror. We always grew through it. You grow the economy and control spending and that’s the way you take care of the deficit.
TESTER: When it comes to funding for Montana, we took the third biggest cut in FY05, in that
discretionary funding. Out of 13 subcommittee chairs, Sen. Burns is ranked 10th in getting dollars to this state for critical projects. It’s time that we spend the money wiser, that we prioritize better, and start looking out for middle class folks.
Source: 2006 Montana 3-way Senate Debate at MSU
Oct 9, 2006
Dennis Rehberg:
Refused to toe the party line on CAFTA
Rehberg was one of only four House Republicans to vote against the GOP budget introduced by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and, in 2008, he voted against the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).The six-term lawmaker recently ran an ad saying he "refused to
toe the party line" on such Republican priorities as "Bush's Wall Street bailout," the Central American Free Trade Agreement and "a Republican budget plan that could harm the Medicare program so many of Montana's seniors rely on."
Source: The Hill coverage of 2012 Montana Senate debate
Jun 25, 2012
Dennis Rehberg:
$787B stimulus package did not create jobs
Tester defended the $787 billion stimulus spending as critical at a time when the country was hemorrhaging jobs and spiraling toward a depression, while Rehberg criticized it as a failure.Tester said the spending was a step in the right direction
as it built infrastructure and created jobs, which would be his No. 1 priority if re-elected. "We're still not where we need to be. But it was a step in the right direction to help us move forward," he said. "We couldn't sit back and do nothing."
Rehberg called his opponent fiscally irresponsible, and drew again and again on Tester's record of aligning with the administration of President Barack Obama. "I didn't vote for it then and I wouldn't vote for it now,"
Rehberg said of the stimulus bill. "It didn't create jobs. You don't spend a trillion dollars and hope to create an asset. It's an expense, not an asset. The stimulus failed. Where are the jobs?"
Source: Billings Gazette on 2012 Montana Senate debates
Oct 15, 2012
John Bohlinger:
Loans for businesses; funds for job training & rural roads
Bohlinger indicates support of the following principles concerning the economy and employment.- Provide low interest loans and tax credits for starting, expanding, or relocating businesses.
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Reduce state government regulations on the private sector in order to encourage investment and economic expansion.
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Support limits on cash damages in lawsuits against businesses and professionals for product liability or malpractice.
- Increase funding for state job-training programs that re-train displaced workers or teaches skills needed in today's job market.
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Increase state funds to develop highways that enhance accessibility to rural areas.
Source: Montana Legislative 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Jon Tester:
Montana suffered from Burns' cuts in discretionary funding
Q: How would you reduce the federal deficit?JONES: That's easy for me. Eliminate unconstitutional departments and agencies.
BURNS: There's only one way to control the deficit--grow the economy and control spending. We have brought down spending on
the discretionary spending - the part we have some control over. The non-discretionary part is troubling. We're continuing with the tax cuts which have energized the economy--that's the way you take care of the deficit. We didn't ask for 9/11, or
Katrina, or the war on terror. We always grew through it. You grow the economy and control spending and that's the way you take care of the deficit.
TESTER: When it comes to funding for Montana, we took the third biggest cut in FY05, in that
discretionary funding. Out of 13 subcommittee chairs, Sen. Burns is ranked 10th in getting dollars to this state for critical projects. It's time that we spend the money wiser, that we prioritize better, and start looking out for middle class folks.
Source: 2006 Montana 3-way Senate Debate at MSU (x-ref Burns)
Oct 9, 2006
Jon Tester:
$787B in stimulus spending was step in the right direction
Tester defended the $787 billion stimulus spending as critical at a time when the country was hemorrhaging jobs and spiraling toward a depression, while Rehberg criticized it as a failure.Tester said the spending was a step in the right direction
as it built infrastructure and created jobs, which would be his No. 1 priority if re-elected. The senator pointed to the ongoing construction of the Kalispell bypass and the rehabilitation of the Going-to-the-Sun Road as projects enabled by the stimulus
package. "We're still not where we need to be. But it was a step in the right direction to help us move forward," he said. "We couldn't sit back and do nothing."
Rehberg called his opponent fiscally irresponsible, and drew again and
again on Tester's record of aligning with the administration of President Barack Obama. "I didn't vote for it then and I wouldn't vote for it now," Rehberg said of the stimulus bill. "It didn't create jobs."
Source: Billings Gazette on 2012 Montana Senate debates
Oct 15, 2012
Judy Martz:
Diversify the economy; expand job market
We have gained more than 107,000 jobs in the past ten years. Compare that to the 1980's when jobs grew by only 43,000. We're growing -- but not as fast as we should. We can do better. We will not rest until Montana's economy reflects the diversity and
capacity of the people within it. The Martz Administration's primary goal is to diversify our economy, expand our job market with higher paying jobs, actively supporting and recruiting businesses that can thrive within our current environmental standards
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature
Jan 25, 2001
Judy Martz:
Teach businesses about venture capital, to create jobs
We have laid the groundwork for future economic growth through our Jobs and Opportunities initiative. We're working to eliminate the roadblocks to creating and growing technology businesses in the state. We are teaching our
companies the tricks of competition for venture capital and we are beginning to see results -- since 1999, Montana businesses have garnered $1.5 million in awards, which translate into more and better paying jobs.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature
Jan 25, 2001
Matt Rosendale:
Cut government instead of stimulus spending
Q: Support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?Matt Rosendale (R): No. Cut government & return money in tax cuts.
Jon Tester (D): Yes. 2008 stimulus was necessary. Need to invest more in infrastructure.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Montana Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Mike Cooney:
Spearheaded tax credit for businesses hiring apprentices
Mike has played a key role in successful efforts to boost Montana's economic growth, expand business opportunities and help workers find better-paying jobs his entire career in public service. He spearheaded a new tax credit for businesses who
hire apprentices and fought for an additional tax credit for working Montana families. Mike will seek out ways to increase business investment and opportunity, build career pathways for workers and expand opportunity across Montana.
Source: 2020 Montana governor campaign website CooneyForMontana.com
Mar 25, 2020
Ryan Zinke:
Our government should spend within its means; no new fees
Q: Should accounts such as a "rainy day" fund be used to balance the state budget?A: No. Our government should spend within its means. Montana should always be vigilant to examine ways to increase government efficiency and reduce waste.
Providing incentives for clean, small business opportunities promotes a needed long term revenue stream. I believe in a fair and progressive tax system that does not penalize incentive and innovation.
Q: Should fee increases be used to balance the state budget?
A: No. I strongly support meaningful property tax reform to ensure that Montanans do not get taxed out of their homes and/or farms.
Source: Montana Congressional 2008 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2008
Ryan Zinke:
$17T debt was irresponsible to create & reckless to continue
Growing the Economy and Controlling Spending: Our $17 trillion debt is unfathomable in size, irresponsible in creation, and reckless to continue.
As such, I strongly support a peacetime balanced budget amendment and a dramatic reduction in the size and scope of government. Washington must be held accountable to ensure that the funding of programs
is based on measurable performance standards and are held accountable to fall within the law. But there is no way we will be able to cut our way out of this mess. We must grow our way out.
That means that we have to get government out of the way of business. We need to cut burdensome regulation and allow people to succeed.
Source: 2014 Montana House campaign website, RyanZinke.com
Nov 4, 2014
Stan Jones:
Eliminate numerous unconstitutional federal departments
Q: How would you reduce the federal deficit?JONES: That's easy for me. Eliminate the unconstitutional department of education. Eliminate the unconstitutional department of energy. Eliminate Housing and Urban Development, and Health & Welfare, and all
the unconstitutional agencies and programs in the federal government. Then eliminate the ability for the federal government to pass laws that bribe state governments to pass things that the federal government cannot pass constitutionally. That makes the
state government grow. I don't understand how people can take an oath of office knowing that they are outside the law of the constitution. They are outlaws!
BURNS: There's only one way to control the deficit--grow the economy and control spending.
TESTER: It's time that we spend the money wiser, that we prioritize better, and start looking out for middle class folks. But that's not the people who have control--the cronies on K-Street that buy votes have more control than the folks that elect us.
Source: 2006 Montana 3-way Senate Debate at MSU
Oct 9, 2006
Steve Bullock:
Be responsible, because our children are watching
What I ask of you tonight is simple and straightforward:- Be responsible with our budget, because I won't allow you to spend more than we take in or make cuts that undermine our long-term stability.
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Join me in focusing on creating jobs, investing in education, and making government more effective; and
- Lastly, act in a manner that we're not ashamed to have our children watching...because they are.
Source: 2013 State of the State Address to Montana legislature
Jan 30, 2013
Steve Bullock:
Veto any budget in the red
I am hopeful that the Legislature now appreciates that my insistence on leaving a $300-million ending fund balance isn't just whimsy. It's what Montanans expect. It is why, even in the face of declining commodity prices over these past two years, our
bond ratings remain high--and you all got to stay home between sessions.In 2013, you learned I will veto spending if you send me a budget that's in the red. In 2015, we crafted a budget together that worked for Montana, and that left money in the
bank for rainy days. I ask you to do that again.
And just as I insist you balance our budget and leave money in the bank, I will insist that our state agencies be as careful with the money they are given as Montana families are with their own.
That's why, even before the Legislature came to town, we trimmed $102 million dollars of spending. That's why, even after the Legislature leaves town, I will continue to challenge our agencies to be careful stewards of hard-working families' tax dollars.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Montana Legislature
Jan 24, 2017
Steve Daines:
Obama stimulus shipped American jobs to China
Montana Senate candidates Steve Daines and John Walsh accuse each other in TV ads of helping to ship American jobs to China, but both sides fail to support their exaggerated claims.Daines says Walsh "supported shipping American jobs to China,"
referring to President Obama's economic stimulus. But Walsh wasn't in the Senate at the time and didn't vote on the legislation. A small portion of the stimulus did go to Chinese firms, but Walsh had nothing to do with the award of stimulus contracts.
Walsh says Daines worked to build factories in China "at the same time Daines' company was firing thousands of American workers here." Daines did help Procter & Gamble expand in China in the 1990s,
but the company says Daines was not involved in strategic corporate decisions. Moreover, the implication that expansion in China came at the expense of U.S. jobs is unsupported.
Source: FactCheck.org on 2014 Montana Senate race
May 22, 2014
Tim Fox:
Eliminate regulations that hamper industry
If the economic path the country has been on takes a turn for the worse, Fox said Montana's balanced budget provision is a strength for the state's economy. Fox added he believes the first defense against a national economic downturn is a robust and
diverse state economy, something he said he would work with legislators to achieve by creating competitive tax policy, reducing the size of state government and eliminating regulations he said hamper industry.
Source: Helena Independent Record on 2020 Montana governor debate
Nov 26, 2019
Greg Gianforte:
Prices driven by reckless, out-of-control federal spending
Gianforte highlighted his fiscally responsible, conservative Budget for Montana Families in a press conference at the State Capitol. "It's getting harder and harder to make ends meet with rising prices driven by reckless, out-of-control federal
spending," Gov. Gianforte said. "That's why we're putting money back in Montanans' pockets, through permanent, long-term tax relief to help hardworking families and small business owners keep more of what they earn."
Source: Governor press release for 2024 Montana Gubernatorial race
Apr 13, 2023
Tim Sheehy:
Balance the budget and begin to lower our national debt
The spending in Washington is out of control, and the career politicians are doing absolutely nothing to reign in this out-of-control spending. We must balance the budget and begin to lower our national debt.
I'm committed to ensuring that politicians who fail to pass a balanced budget don't get paid because our country's economic security should never be jeopardized for the sake of politics.
Source: 2024 Montana Senate campaign website TimForMT.com
Jun 27, 2023
Tanner Smith:
Opposed tax dollars to construct affordable housing
Rep. Tanner Smith, R-Lakeside, for example, said he is skeptical that it's a good time to invest public dollars in housing construction, given currently high
construction costs. "There's so much money out there in the private sector that's just waiting for the cost of goods to go down," Smith said.
Source: Montana Free Press on 2024 Montana Gubernatorial race
Apr 3, 2023
Greg Gianforte:
One-time investment in housing is not a handout
Another element of our pro-housing reforms is delivering immediate results: the HOMES program. The Board of Investments reports that the HOMES program has led to the construction of nearly 1,000 new homes. This is not a handout.
The money the state invests comes back to us to reinvest. Given the success of this program, we should strengthen it, investing an additional $100 million of one-time-only funding.
Source: 2025 State of the State Address to the Montana legislature
Jan 13, 2025
Reilly Neill:
Undoing damage of Republican budget will a top priority
The recent Republican budget bill that increases the debt while removing essential services is deeply unpopular across the state. How do I know? I'm on the ground talking to Montana voters every day. Folks tell me they want practical leadership,
real accountability, and a government that works for ordinary people. Undoing the damage of the unpopular Republican budget, passed on July 4, 2025, will be one of my first priorities.
Source: 2026 Montana Senate campaign website ReillyForMontana.com
Jul 29, 2025
Page last updated: Mar 14, 2026