That bill as introduced last session had some great merit to it. The event is at noon on the Capitol steps. Montana's senior citizens and public employees associations, human rights network and small consumers electric buying cooperative are also backing the rally. These Democratic groups argue that lawmakers should wait until the 2001 legislative session to deal with tax breaks. He added that lame duck Republicans are trying to force an election-year tax break that's based on an unknown budget surplus.
Mercer calls the rally an ironic act of desperation.
He said postponing the tax breaks will actually hurt the same people these groups are trying to help-schools and working Montanans. Because, ultimately, that is the pathway to a greater tax base and larger tax collection, which leads to a better economy for our state. He added that the only way to adequately fund is education is with a healthy, vibrant economy. Don Judge, state AFL-CIO executive secretary, argued that previous tax breaks have forced Montanan families to pick up funding shortfalls in schools, roads and other public services through higher property taxes.