How I'm Working to Boost Montana’s Economy

Montana’s Economic Development Summits

The only way to pull our economy up in national rankings is by working together.  That’s why I’ve held four separate statewide Montana Economic Development Summits.  The 2007 summit in Butte attracted 2500 people.  I am very proud to report that the 2007 summit has already produced two important developments.  First, GE announced that it is developing a facility in Billings, bringing 150 jobs to the state.  Second, LigoCyte Pharmaceuticals of Bozeman met investors at the Butte summit and in March finalized an agreement that will mean an additional $28 million in funding to develop vaccines.

Cutting Taxes to Grow Businesses

I took the lead on the 2005 Highway Bill that will bring more than $2 billion into Montana’s economy and will help to sustain thousands of jobs in the state.  I also crafted tax incentives in the Energy Bill to promote development of renewable energy, which has enormous potential in Montana.  In 2004, I worked together with my Finance Committee counterpart, Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), to write and pass a broad new tax cut for Montana's manufacturing companies. In writing the bill, I wanted to make sure it had the maximum benefit to Montana's economy. That's why I fought to expand the Jumpstart Our Business Strength (JOBS) Act to include permanent tax relief for timber companies, oil refineries, agriculture corporations and small businesses. I'm proud of our work together on this bill that provides Montana's and the nation's economies the shot in the arm that they need.

Educating Montana’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

A strong elementary and secondary education system with partnerships throughout the community, especially the private sector, is the backbone of a healthy economy. That's why I'm working to build a stronger bridge between Montana's private sector and our schools and universities. Alan Greenspan once said, "We will be successful only to the extent that we cultivate, develop, and wisely deploy our intellectual capital. Education is everything." Building understanding and cooperation between those who create jobs and those who train Montanans for the jobs of the future is an important task that I don't take lightly. That’s why I introduced a bill to improve incentives for businesses to partner with local schools and universities.   My bill also provides funding for business training and development.   I’m committed to working with my colleagues to pass this bill and improve our public/private partnerships.