Greg Gianforte in State of Montana Archives
On Abortion:
Urges legislature to pass restrictive abortion laws
We must protect the lives of our most vulnerable: unborn children. I firmly believe all life is precious and must be protected. I urge the legislature to send me the Montana Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act which protects unborn babies by
prohibiting abortion when they can feel pain. I also urge the legislature to send me the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act which requires doctors to perform life-saving care on a baby who's born as a result of a botched abortion.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Montana legislature
Jan 28, 2021
On Education:
More trade education scholarships; more teacher incentives
Our budget builds a stronger Montana workforce by prioritizing trades education. My budget establishes the Montana Trades Education Credit, or M-TEC. Our budget provides for as many as 1,000 scholarships per year by offering businesses a
50% credit for their employees to learn a trade. Together, employers and employees can decide on training that's best for the business and the employee.
We must do better for our starting teachers. That's why my budget provides $2.5 million in incentives to schools to improve starting teacher pay. I encourage the legislature to pass the TEACH Act, or Tomorrow's Educators are Coming Home Act, which
Representative Jones is sponsoring. By increasing their pay, let's make it easier for our starting teachers to choose to stay in Montana or come back home. Let's make their pay more competitive.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Montana legislature
Jan 28, 2021
On Government Reform:
Red Tape Relief Task Force to review all regulations
To make Montana more competitive, we also need to get a better handle on our regulatory scheme. It's time to cut back this thicket of red tape, and it's one of my top priorities.I signed an executive order to establish the Red Tape Relief Task Force.
I have charged the task force to complete a comprehensive, top-to-bottom review of regulations in every single state agency. They are to leave no stone unturned as they identify excessive, outdated, and unnecessary regulations.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Montana legislature
Jan 28, 2021
On Immigration:
Ban sanctuary cities in Montana to maintain rule of law
We must maintain the rule of law. Montana has the highest violent crime rate in the northwest. And we saw an 8% increase in violent crime last year, even as our nation saw a decline.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are a nation of laws. That's why I support Representative Holmlund's bill to ban sanctuary cities in Montana.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Montana legislature
Jan 28, 2021
On Tax Reform:
Lowering top tax rate will make Montana more competitive
Montana taxpayers with at least $18,500 of taxable income pay our top income tax rate. More than half of Montana taxpayers pay that top rate of 6.9%. Our high rate drives away too many businesses that may want to locate in Montana.
We must lower our top personal income tax rate, and that's what I've proposed in my budget. Not only will the majority of Montana income taxpayers see relief, but also Montana will become more competitive.
To reduce the burden on our small businesses, my budget calls for reforming the business equipment tax by exempting business equipment valued up to $200,000, boosting the exemption by 100%.
The BIG Jobs Act, or Business Investment Grows Jobs Act, eliminates the business equipment tax burden for 4,000 Montana small business owners.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Montana legislature
Jan 28, 2021
On Corporations:
Voted to roll back Dodd-Frank bank regulations
Q: Tighten or loosen regulation of banks and credit card companies?Greg Gianforte: Loosen. Voted to roll back Dodd-Frank bank regulations, which opponents said disadvantaged smaller banks.
Mike Cooney: Maintain or tighten. Criticized Gianforte's vote for "rolling back financial regulations on large financial institutions."
Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 Montana Gubernatorial race
Nov 3, 2020
On Jobs:
Voted against bills strengthening unions
Q: Support "right- to-work" laws, eliminating unions' ability to mandate dues for workers they represent?Greg Gianforte: Likely yes. Voted in Congress against bills strengthening unions, including one to give
TSA employees same rights on the job as other federal workers.
Mike Cooney: No. Testified against 2019 House bill that would have further limited Montana public sector unions. "Why would anybody support people having the right to work for less?"
Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 Montana Gubernatorial race
Nov 3, 2020
On Tax Reform:
2002: state sales tax ok; 2016: no state sales tax
[Gubernatorial candidate Whitney] Williams also came out strongly against a sales tax, an issue that played a role in the 2016 governor's race when old audio from 2002 emerged of Gianforte presenting a tax advisory council possible solutions to create
jobs in Montana that included the idea of a sales tax. However, Gianforte said in the 2016 campaign he would never support a sales tax. Montanans have voted against a sales tax twice before, and it's been seen as the third rail for political candidates.
Source: Helena Independent-Record on 2020 Montana Gubernatorial race
Oct 3, 2019
On Environment:
Favors repeal of regulations; end "war on coal"
The Trump administration unveiled its rule to repeal regulations on power-plant emissions, It also gives states more authority to devise plans for emission reductions and the local mix of power production. Gianforte hailed the plan for ending the "war
on coal.""I welcome this new rule that will help reduce emissions, maintain state authority and flexibility and recognizes the important role that innovation and modernization can play in our existing coal-generation facilities," he said.
Source: KXLF-4/Butte on 2020 Montana gubernatorial race
Jun 19, 2019
On Energy & Oil:
The "War on Coal" endangers jobs
Talen Montana, the owner of the coal-fired energy plant in Colstrip, announced that it was closing its two older units permanently by the end of the year.
Gianforte said, "Colstrip has long provided affordable, reliable electricity to Montanans, but the war on coal has jeopardized Colstrip and good-paying jobs for hardworking Montanans."
Source: Missoula Current/MTN News on 2020 Montana gubernatorial race
Jun 11, 2019
On Drugs:
Oppose easing marijuana laws; some support for medical use
Has not supported any of the following:- Allow Cannabis Businesses to Use Banks
- Allow VA Doctors to Recommend Medical Cannabis
- Allow States to Legalize Medical Cannabis
- Allow States to Legalize Recreational Cannabis
-
End Cannabis Prohibition at Federal Level
In 2017, said he believes medical marijuana should be available to people in chronic pain, under the care of a doctor. He added that he opposes legalizing recreational marijuana.
Source: Cannabis Voter Project on 2020 Montana gubernatorial race
May 24, 2019
On Government Reform:
Rolling back regulations leads to prosperity
Gianforte told the state House he wants to see Montana take a cue from the federal government and cut taxes and abolish regulations to expand the state's economy. Gianforte called for the government to "get out of the way so all
Montanans and Americans can prosper again." To continue growth, Gianforte said, both Montana and the federal government need to continue to roll back regulations and enact tax reforms.
Source: Helena Independent-Record on 2020 Montana gubernatorial race
Feb 4, 2019
On Principles & Values:
American exceptionalism & capitalism lead to prosperity
Sen. Steve Daines, Rep. Greg Gianforte and leaders of Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit organization, spoke to a crowd of about 550 people in the Strand Union Building at Montana State University. Gianforte said he has long supported
Turning Point USA's advocacy of American exceptionalism, the U.S. Constitution and free-market capitalism because those things lead to prosperity and opportunity.
Source: Helena Independent-Record on 2020 Montana gubernatorial race
Feb 4, 2019
On Energy & Oil:
Critical of regulations & studying social cost of carbon
Gianforte is the only new Republican on the Energy and Commerce Committee this Congress. The second-term lawmaker gave up his seat on Natural Resources for the slot. He said he still expects to work on the "responsible development of energy resources."
He's been critical of Obama-era environmental regulations, particularly those promoting the study of the social cost of carbon, but also favors limits on mining near Yellowstone National Park.
Source: E&E News on 2020 Montana gubernatorial race
Jan 30, 2019
On Energy & Oil:
Has more than $5 million invested in fossil fuel companies
Of the Energy Committee members, Gianforte, one of the wealthiest members of Congress, has by far the largest stake in fossil fuels--at least $5.6 million in domestic and international companies through his and his wife's revocable trusts.
His communications director told Sludge, "Congressman Gianforte's investments are governed by a blind investment agreement to avoid any potential conflict of interest.
Congressman Gianforte does not make decisions about individual investments; a money manager does without his input or direction."
Sludge asked whether Gianforte was aware of these investments, given that they are publicly available, but the communications director did not answer this question.
Source: Sludge Blog on 2020 Montana gubernatorial race
Jan 30, 2019
On Immigration:
Oppose efforts to relocate refugees into Montana
Greg Gianforte opposes efforts to relocate refugees into Montana, and supports efforts to secure our country's borders.
He believes that only those immigrants who want to be Americans should receive the privilege of U.S. citizenship.
Source: MTStandard.com on 2016 Montana gubernatorial race
Jun 18, 2016
On Crime:
Philosophically OK with death penalty; but is it worth it?
Q: Should the state eliminate the death penalty and opt for life without parole?
A: I have no philosophical objection to the death penalty; however, we should question if it is an effective deterrent to crime and if it is worth the price.
Source: Great Falls Tribune on 2016 Montana gubernatorial race
May 10, 2016
On Tax Reform:
406 Tax Relief plan: cut taxes & freeze government spending
Montana Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Gianforte has announced a tax proposal he dubs his "406 Tax Relief" plan, which he says will cut taxes and freeze government spending. Gianforte released his plan the final day for Americans to file state
and federal tax forms.Gianforte is seeking to phase out a business equipment tax over four years, hold state spending to current levels and reduce the maximum tax rate from 6.9% to 6%. Gianforte said, "I learned from over 30 years starting & growing
businesses that sustainable jobs and opportunities are only created in the private sector, not by government programs. Streamlining regulations, lowering taxes and slowing the growth of government will energize our economy and help create more high
wage jobs so we can stop exporting our kids."
Even before the Republican released his plan, the re-election campaign for Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock said the proposal would benefit the wealthy at the expense of middle class families.
Source: KFBB Fox News on 2016 Montana gubernatorial race
Apr 18, 2016
On Civil Rights:
We need equal opportunity, not equal outcomes
Aaron Flint, a spokesman for GOP gubernatorial hopeful Greg Gianforte, said the Bozeman high-tech entrepreneur thinks that oftentimes women should get more pay. "For example, his daughter goes to Stanford and got a perfect ACT score. Greg thinks she
should get paid more. As he's stated on the road from Ekalaka to Eureka: We need equal opportunity, not equal outcomes." Flint noted Gianforte's chief operating officer at RightNow was a woman, along with several other top executives and employees.
Source: Great Falls Tribune on 2016 Montana gubernatorial race
Apr 12, 2016
On Jobs:
Address Montana's dismal national standing on wages
With the economy a focal point of the governor's race, Gov. Steve Bullock is attempting to position himself as an advocate of the working class. His likely opponent in November, Republican Greg Gianforte, has been criticizing the governor for
the state's relatively dismal standing on wages. Bullock wants to see wages rise--particularly among women who aren't being paid fairly.
He said Montana women make about 67 cents for every dollar made by men. And he noted the slow pace in which women are catching up to men in salaries. "At this rate, the gap won't close until the year 2080.
That's unacceptable," he told the group. "I'd match our Montana work ethic up against any other state in the nation, and 39th in the country in pay equity is flat out not OK."
Source: The Missoulian on 2016 Montana Gubernatorial race
Mar 11, 2016
On Abortion:
Founded charitable organization to protect the unborn
The Gianforte Family Foundation was established in 2006 by Greg and Susan Gianforte, in response to God's great goodness to them. Since its creation the foundation has become one of the top giving foundations in the state of Montana.
Foundation grants focus on improving education, lifting people out of poverty, protecting the unborn, and Christian outreach.
Source: 2016 Montana website GianforteFoundation.org
Feb 3, 2016
On Corporations:
BootStrapping for Businesses: mentors entrepreneurs
Proven Job Creator: Greg is the Founder & former CEO of RightNow Technologies. He created hundreds of jobs in Bozeman, Montana with an average salary near $90,000 a year. Greg is the author of "BootStrapping for Businesses", which he uses to mentor
entrepreneurs. He chairs the MT High Tech Business Alliance. Through his career, Greg founded five start-ups, creating jobs for over 1,200 people. Not a Government Insider: Greg spent his entire career creating jobs in the private sector.
His first business was at age 14, mowing lawns. Recently, he launched Better Montana Jobs in order to lift Montana up from the trenches of being 49th in the nation in wages.
Recently, Greg was inducted into the Montana Business Hall of Fame at MSU-Billings. In addition to founding RightNow Technologies, he is the Managing Director of Bozeman Technology Incubator.
Source: 2016 Montana governor's campaign website GregForMontana.com
Feb 3, 2016
On Education:
Provides high school scholarships for computer coding
Greg is the founder of CodeMontana, which provides public school scholarships to high school students to learn coding and computer science. He's also the founder of ACE Scholarships Montana to help low and moderate income students attend the school of
their choice. Additionally, Greg launched Gianforte manufacturing scholarships, providing 50% scholarships to low-income Montanans and veterans.
Source: 2016 Montana governor's campaign website GregForMontana.com
Feb 3, 2016
On Government Reform:
Eliminate excessive regulations that burden businesses
Accountability in State Government: Montana's government should serve the people of Montana, not the other way around. We need agency heads who have walked in the shoes of people they are serving,
to improve efficiency across all levels of government, and eliminate excessive regulations that are burdening businesses.
Source: 2016 Montana governor's campaign website GregForMontana.com
Feb 3, 2016
On Gun Control:
Lifetime member of the NRA
Family Man and Avid Outdoorsman: Greg and Susan have generously donated tens of millions of dollars to projects and organizations right here in Montana.
They raised all four of their kids hiking the mountains of Montana. Greg is a lifetime member of the NRA.
Source: 2016 Montana governor's campaign website GregForMontana.com
Feb 3, 2016
On Health Care:
Provide for those who cannot provide for themselves
Healthcare costs are rising sharply and account for 40% of our state budget. We must provide for those who cannot provide for themselves,
but work for increased price transparency and consumer incentives to make healthcare affordable for our hardworking families.
Source: 2016 Montana governor's campaign website GregForMontana.com
Feb 3, 2016
On Welfare & Poverty:
Support Christian organizations' outreach on poverty
The primary mission of the Gianforte Family Foundation is to support the work of Christian organizations engaged in education, poverty, and outreach work. There is a predisposition toward organizations serving people in Montana,
and those organizations with which the Gianforte family has personal relationships. Smaller gifts are made to non-Christian organizations that enhance the local community of Bozeman, Montana and other causes of particular interest to the family.
Source: 2016 Montana website GianforteFoundation.org
Feb 3, 2016
On Education:
Supports school choice and voucher initiatives
In addition to supporting school choice and voucher initiatives that have faced stiff opposition from Democrats in the Legislature, Gianforte proposed investing in additional science and math training for K-12 teachers and an expansion of the state's
Digital Academy so more kids could pursue advanced coursework. As one way to bring more computer science courses to schools, he proposed making them an alternative to fulfill foreign language credit requirements.
Source: Billings Gazette on 2016 Montana gubernatorial race
Jan 24, 2016
On Abortion:
Supported anti-abortion campaigns through Family Foundation
Montana has attracted a small but vocal hard-right Christian coalition, which is where Gianforte, a devout Christian, fits in.
The Gianforte Family Foundation has supported anti-abortion campaigns and helped build a museum based on the creationist belief that humans and dinosaurs coexisted. In 2014, Gianforte lobbied against a nondiscrimination ordinance in Bozeman.
Source: Ozy.com on 2016 Montana gubernatorial race
Jan 13, 2016
On Civil Rights:
Promoted openly gay workers despite his religious beliefs
The Gianforte Family Foundation has supported anti-abortion campaigns and helped build a museum based on the creationist belief that humans and dinosaurs coexisted. In 2014, Gianforte lobbied against a nondiscrimination ordinance in Bozeman.
For their part, past employees say that he never let his religious beliefs influence business, equally promoting openly gay workers and those of other faiths.
Source: Ozy.com on 2016 Montana gubernatorial race
Jan 13, 2016
On Education:
Helped build a museum based on creationist beliefs
Montana has attracted a small but vocal hard-right Christian coalition, which is where Gianforte, a devout Christian who grew up in Philadelphia, fits in.
The Gianforte Family Foundation has supported anti-abortion campaigns and helped build a museum based on the creationist belief that humans and dinosaurs coexisted. In 2014, Gianforte lobbied against a nondiscrimination ordinance in Bozeman.
Source: Ozy.com on 2016 Montana gubernatorial race
Jan 13, 2016
On Social Security:
Noah in the Bible was still working at age 600
In a talk at the Montana Bible College about how to find "godly purpose" in work, Gianforte explained why retirement isn't consistent with biblical teachings: "There's nothing in the Bible that talks about retirement. And yet it's been an accepted
concept in our culture today," he said. "Nowhere does it say, 'Well, he was a good and faithful servant, so he went to the beach.' It doesn't say that anywhere."
"The example I think of is Noah," he continued. "How old was Noah when he built the ark? 600. He wasn't like, cashing Social Security checks, he wasn't hanging out, he was working. So, I think we have an obligation to work. The role we have in work
may change over time, but the concept of retirement is not biblical."
[A supporter explained] that Gianforte was speaking "to the idea that we should all be good stewards of the unique gifts and talents we each have been given."
Source: HuffingtonPost.com on 2016 Montana gubernatorial race
Jun 10, 2015
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021