Schweitzer Proposes Property Tax Rebate Plan

http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/06/28/news/state/20-schweitzer-taxplan.txt

Published on Wednesday, June 28, 2006.
Schweitzer proposes property tax rebate plan
By BECKY BOHRER
Associated Press

Gov. Brian Schweitzer proposed a plan Wednesday offering $100 million in property tax rebates to Montana homeowners, offering it as a contrast with a Republican plan and one that could be passed with fellow Democrats controlling the state Legislature.

Republican leaders dismissed it as a gimmick and retorted that the best way for the governor to get a tax-relief plan passed would be to have more Republicans elected.

Schweitzer said his so-called "Square Deal" plan would split $100 million -- part of a state ending fund balance projected to top $500 million -- among Montana homeowners. Checks of $400 would be sent to homes owned by Montana residents, Schweitzer said, calling it a dividend to "the shareholders of this business we call Montana."

"Would you rather have a Montana Square Deal or a bad 'handshake?"' he asked, referring to the Republicans' "Handshake with Montana" plan.

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What a guy - what a second place on the ticket in 08 - all I can say is whoohoo