If all those things are done well, the second priority should be in helping small business already located in Montana provide more jobs, higher wages and better benefits to their workers. People are skeptical about government efforts to stimulate jobs through tax breaks for corporations and believe that we should focus on quality of life here in Montana. More specifically, I hear about three broad topics. First is property tax reform. Most people realize the current approach has placed more and more of tax burden on homeowners and less on big corporations.
Most people feel it is unfair and want to see it change.
Second, people want to see a quality school system here in Helena. They are concerned about the system of funding. Many feel that a well educated workforce is a key element in economic development. Finally, our environment. People are concerned that the quality of life here in Montana is threatened by development.