Holds press conference at State Capitol

HELENA, MT. – During a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Greg Gianforte on Feb 13th, praised the progress of the homestead rate cut to deliver meaningful property tax relief for Montana homeowners.

“Rising property taxes fuel the affordability crisis that’s pinching homeowners across the country, and Montana homeowners need and deserve relief,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Montanans sent us to Helena to get property tax relief done this year, and we should.”

As proposed in his Path to Security and Prosperity, the governor advocated for the homestead rate cut which is projected to lower property taxes for Montana homeowners by 15% and small businesses by 18%. The recommendation is a result of the governor’s diverse, bipartisan Property Tax Task Force and, according to estimates, will directly reduce property taxes for more than 215,000 primary residences, more than 32,000 small businesses, and provide indirect relief for over 130,000 renters.

The homestead rate cut was heard for discussion this week in the House Appropriations Committee and the governor expressed optimism in the bill being heard on executive action before the end of the week. Earlier this month, during a second reading on the House floor, the bill passed with broad bipartisan support.

The governor added, “The Homestead Rate Cut is about making life more affordable for families – including those on fixed incomes. While there a lot of ideas out there, the Homestead Rate Cut is the best approach for delivering relief this year.”

Sharing stories heard from Montanans during a roundtable discussion on the proposal yesterday, the governor highlighted homeowners and seniors on fixed income in the Flathead Valley who saw their property taxes increase and who expressed support for long-term relief through the homestead rate cut and other property tax assistance programs.

“They told me how rebates were helpful in 2023 and 2024, but they told me that kind of temporary relief cannot replace the kind of permanent relief they need. We must deliver permanent property tax relief for them this year,” the governor said.

Watch the governor’s press conference here.