Virtual Town Hall followed last week’s with House Speaker Wylie Galt
NFIB Montana members have now had two briefings from the Montana State Legislature’s two top leaders, House Speaker Wylie Galt on April 9 and Senate President Mark Blasdel on April 13. Click here for the Galt Town Hall story.
Senator Blasdel touched on an impressive array of topics of importance to small-business owners, updating members on the progress of each. His remarks began with a reminder of the COVID-19 liability protection against unfair lawsuits that the Legislature passed and Gov. Greg Gianforte signed into law. (Click here for more information).
The Senate president then went down a list of other issues, including:
- A measure requiring elected official approval of local health board and officer actions
- A public vote on some official health actions
- Wrongful discharge
- False claims
- $120 million in permanent tax deductions this session
- Boosting the exemption limit on the business personal property tax from $100,000 to $200,000 and making “local governments whole” from the loss of revenue
- Tax credits for employee training
- Property tax relief
- Capital gains credit
- Bringing broadband to areas without it
- Telemedicine
- Infrastructure
- Marijuana banking
- Marijuana in the workplace.
It was on the marijuana banking and marijuana in the workplace issues that Blasdel spent the most time answering members’ questions. Other questions from members included how the state will use the federal money it received under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
The Senate President also said lawmakers have until May 11 to conclude their business, but may adjourn sooner, April 28 or 29, if they keep up their current pace. A small-business owner of a restaurant, Blasdel was right at home with NFIB members, who thanked the senator for his time and insights.
One of the many benefits of NFIB membership is the opportunity your association presents to hear directly from and talk directly to the top policymakers making the decisions affecting your ability to own, operate, and grow your business. Virtual Town Halls are one of the ways NFIB creates this opportunity.
Our members make NFIB what it is and empower it to attract our state’s top elected officials to any opportunity to talk with the people at the pulsing heart of every economy in the world—Small Business Owners.
