State Legislature 2024: HD39-Melissa Smith (D) - Billings Chamber of Commerce

What are your three most important policy priorities? What do you hope the impact of implementing these policies will be?

I’m running for oﬃce to address the challenges Montana families are facing to live healthy, safe, productive lives. A topic I hear frequently from voters is that we are in desperate need of reform that will simplify and more equitably distribute the tax revenue streams across individuals and businesses. We also need more aﬀordable housing for working families or for young adults to start on their own, so that businesses can better function and compete. I also ﬁrmly believe that quality education is essential for individuals to improve their lives and businesses thrive, so more of our budget needs to be invested in education at all levels, from preschool to higher education and training in trades.

In a recent survey of our members, an overwhelming portion of respondents (96%) agreed or strongly agreed with the statement: “Reducing the cost of doing business in Montana generally benefits all Montanans.” What do you hope the Legislature will do to reduce the cost of doing business in Montana?

I support legislation that has both indirect and direct impact on strengthening our local business economy, especially simplifying our tax system, continuing to resolve our current housing crisis, improved public safety, better funding for public education, and aﬀordable access to quality healthcare. Supporting quality of life not only attracts a better workforce, improving the general standard of living lowers business costs through a more steadfast, innovative workforce. I also support repairing and building our infrastructure through a variety of tools, including Tax Increment Financing Districts.

In our recent survey, public safety was identified as the number one policy issue for our members. During the 2023 Session, important bills to update the antiquated Youth Court Act and revise theft laws both narrowly failed. We expect those and other safety bills to come up during the 2025 Session. What legislative changes would you suggest to address safety issues in Billings and around the state?

In addition to improvements in our current justice system, including improving staﬃng and holding capacity, I also support a strong focus on crime prevention and reducing recidivism, through improved funding for public education, including after school and summer programs, as well as expanding access to aﬀordable healthcare, especially substance abuse recovery programs and mental health care.

Last session, the Montana Legislature passed numerous bipartisan housing bills, reforming onerous regulations that restrict housing supply and appropriating an historic amount of funding for housing. Considering how much was accomplished, it was dubbed the “Montana Miracle.” However, the work is not done, and more recommendations are coming forward from the Governor’s Housing Task Force. Which recommendations to add housing supply and make housing more affordable will you consider supporting?

I agree we need more incentives to build more housing and remove barriers to development in Montana. I support streamlining zoning and permitting processes, as well as policies like tax credits for developers, and improved public transit can expand aﬀordable housing options. I also strongly advocate for citizens’ rights to self-govern and believe in empowering local residents and their governments to propose and vote on solutions that eﬀectively address their community’s needs.

Over the last two sessions, the Montana Legislature took significant steps to reduce the business equipment tax, relieving 502 Yellowstone County businesses from the burden of paying this tax. Would you be supportive of further reductions, allowing even more businesses to keep more of their hard-earned dollars?

I am all for lowering this business tax, and it’s responsible to do so in a way that respects how businesses beneﬁt from community infrastructure. I support providing tax incentives based on measurable outcomes related to infrastructure improvements and contributions to local educational or workforce development programs. For example, businesses could earn credits based on the completion of speciﬁc infrastructure projects or the achievement of certain community development goals.

Reauthorizing Medicaid Expansion will be a major topic of debate in the upcoming session. Originally passed in 2015, the program provides significant benefits to Yellowstone County, creating over 1,500 jobs and providing healthcare coverage to approximately 10% of our local workforce. Are you supportive of reauthorization? With changes? Not at all?

I believe we should continue and make permanent Medicaid expansion to help low-income Montanans access healthcare. It’s already helped lower healthcare costs for individuals and small businesses, keeping kids healthy and in school, and helping more people work and support their families. Additionally, the Montana economy beneﬁts from increased access to healthcare by supporting healthcare jobs, especially in rural areas.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is consistently a topic at the Legislature, with supporters arguing it is one of the only economic development tools available to local communities in Montana, while some opponents contend it should be eliminated. The Billings Chamber has long been a strong supporter but acknowledges there could be room for improvement. What are your thoughts on TIF?

I generally support Tax Increment Financing, and believe that expanding this program is a ﬁnancially strategic way to improve local infrastructure without being overly burdensome to local residents. By attracting businesses and developers, TIF districts can create jobs and stimulate local economic activity, and can be used to advance speciﬁc community goals, such as aﬀordable housing, historical preservation, or environmental sustainability..

Considering the concern over recent property tax increases, the Governor established a Property Tax Task Force to offer recommendations for dealing with increasing property taxes. Which of the 12 recommendations, or other solutions, would you support to address property tax concerns?

Lower residential property taxes can be good for business in several ways, including increased disposable income for local spending, and expanding the workforce by attracting new residents. I support most of the recommendations made by the Property Tax Task Force, especially adding a homestead exemption, better equalizing property tax rates across all property classes, and adding a type of “circuit breaker” based on the resident’s income. Additionally, I am a big fan of education and transparency in how property taxes are calculated, levied, and used, helping taxpayers better understand their bills and where their money is going