"3-in-3" Sales Tax Survey

Thanks to all who participated in our recent "3 in 3" survey on the statewide sales tax and the local option sales tax. When it comes to the statewide sales tax, 88% of respondents said the Montana Chamber should continue to support a statewide sales tax to lower or eliminate property and/or income taxes. On the other hand, 69% of respondents said the Montana Chamber should continue its traditional opposition to the local-option sales tax, since it would reduce the chances of a statewide sales tax. This is 11% points higher than when we surveyed our membership in 2006. Respondents left comments like: "Only in support of pursuing a statewide sales tax if it truly reduces other taxes for our residents" and "We need to tap the tourism dollars that flow through the state" and "[local option sales tax] makes the cities/counties fat at business' expense." Thanks to all who made their opinion known. Be on the lookout for future "3 in 3" surveys.