| |
| The Montana Six Mill Levy |
Referendum 118, Renewing the Six Mill Levy
Every ten years, for over half a century, the people of Montana have provided the cornerstone of financial support for the university system by renewing a statewide property tax mill levy. This November 4th, Montana voters will once again be asked to renew the six mill levy to ensure higher education opportunities are accessible, affordable, and contribute to the economic security of our communities.
Legislative Referendum 118, placed on the ballot by the 2007 Legislature, asks voters to keep in place six mills levied on all property in the state for the next ten years. The nearly $13 million the levy raises annually funds direct student services at the eleven campuses located across the state.
Students are the beneficiaries of the six mill levy funding. Whether it’s Montana’s high-school graduates, or non-traditional students re-tooling their skills or pursuing life-long learning opportunities, the six mills helps to provide those direct academic services that ensure students have access to quality programs and classes that make a real difference in their future. Affordability and accessibility are the keys to every successful higher education system and Montanans are fortunate to have quality programs being offered across the state. The academic and technical programs offered by the university system lay the groundwork for a skilled workforce that is vital to Montana businesses in an increasingly competitive economic landscape. Large and small employers need a well-trained workforce with the skills that allow businesses to expand and position themselves to take advantage of opportunities. This contributes to higher wages for workers and strengthens the economic well-being in every corner of the state.
Montanan’s have a proud heritage of offering access to affordable, quality higher educational opportunities. Whether it’s a recent high-school graduate enrolling as a traditional student, a person seeking to improve their job skills, or local businesses partnering with campuses to ensure a well-educated workforce, success turns on the widespread availability and affordability of quality educational programs. Supporting the six mill levy will continue that tradition.
|
|
| |
 |
| |
 |
Larry Simkins
As a Montana businessman, I view the Montana University System is an essential partner in our success. We look to the universities to provide us with our information technology staff, our accountants and our business leaders. As demands for Montana's workers increase, we are working with units of the system to find new ways to customize training for the specific skills our businesses demand. Montana kids are helping us to compete with businesses around the world.Â
Â
The $13 million that the six mill levy collects annually funds student services. From my perspective, it's one of the best values that Montanans receive for their tax dollars. The University System is at the center of Montana's economic success. Renewing the six mill levy this November will allow our universities to continue to play that essential role. |
| |
|
 |
Sherry Cladouhos
Montana's leaders have several important goals for higher education. One is affordability. For higher education of any kind to be a realistic goal, the costs can't be too high and students can't carry unmanageable debts when they graduate. The other is accessibility. Our universities are increasingly tailoring their programs to student needs. The schools are delivering their programs where students want to receive them. And the programs are designed to lead directly to well-paying, satisfying jobs that will provide meaningful careers.
Â
Since 1948, Montanans have enthusiastically supported the six mill levy. This campaign is about making sure that proud tradition continues. |
|
|
|
