The Policy Institute, based in Helena, Montana, blends authoritative research and hands-on political engagement to create public policy based on economic justice, fair taxation, corporate accountability and environmental responsibility.

MONTANA IS FACING AN IMPENDING REVENUE CRISIS

Looking ahead to the 2011 Legislature, The Policy Institute is particularly focused on this crisis and the accompanying threat of decreased funding to vital social services and programs in Montana.

The national recession has caused both an increased demand for public services at the state level and a record-breaking decline in state revenue, creating a budget shortfall which must be addressed. Options are being discussed in the Legislative Finance Committee that would affect the departments of Education, Natural Resources and Health and Human Services in Montana, among others. (See links at bottom of page.)

The Policy Institute believes that legislators should take a balanced approach to the problem &ndash raising revenue must be an option on the table, as the problem is too large to be solved with budget cuts alone. This summer, The Policy Institute is issuing a survey to all legislative candidates, asking if they are willing to consider raising revenue as an option to addressing the revenue crisis. The results of the survey will be available this fall.

REPORT FROM THE MONTANA BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER

BUDGET CUTS UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE LEGISLATIVE FINANCE COMMITTEE