Some Republican legislative leaders are now saying Montana will need a special session to deal with the state’s current budget crisis, and that they may be open to targeted, temporary tax increases.
Hamilton Representative Nancy Ballance joined several other Republicans on the Legislative Finance Committee today in saying that the state needs to pay for this summer’s firefighting costs.
“So I think the likelihood of a special session is high," Balance said, "But from our perspective that would be restricted to fire costs.”
Governor Steve Bullock has previously hinted at a special session, saying lawmakers should consider tax increases to help balance the state budget, which is estimated to be more than $220 million in the red. The budget lawmakers passed and Bullock signed this spring overestimated incoming state revenue and didn’t anticipate nearly $70 million in wildfire expenses.
A statement from the governor’s office issued this afternoon did not give a timeline for when Bullock may call a special session.
Members of the Republican majority in the House and Senate still oppose permanent tax increases.
