Montana LR-118 (2008)
From Ballotpedia
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LR-118 is a proposed bond issue that continued the designation of $6 million dollars to the Montana university system. It appeared on the ballot in Montana in November 2008.
2008 election results
These election results are based on the Billings Gazette.[1]
| LR-118 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes or no | Votes | Percentage | ||
 Yes
| 262,376 | 57% | ||
| No | 200,507 | 43% | ||
| Total votes | 462,883 | 100% | ||
Support
Supporters included:
- State Senator Bob Hawks
- State Representative Margarett Campbell
- Former Montana Secretary of State and 2004 gubernatorial candidate Bob Brown
- Montana Chamber of Commerce
- Montana State AFL-CIO
- Montana Farmers Union
- Montana Farm Bureau
Arguments in favor of LR-118
Notable arguments made in support of the measure included:
- The initiative does not represent a tax increase, just a continuation of a tax that has been active since 1948.
- The 6 Mill Levy is "a tiny fraction" of a home owner's taxes, but it accounts for "about 9%" of the total state support for higher education.
- The levy pays for educational programs for nearly 42,000 students.
- The 6 Mill Levy is "an important Montana tradition," having been around since 1920 and having been approved by voters every decade since.
Opposition
Opponents included:
- House Speaker Scott Sales
- Montana State Senator Joe Balyeat
Arguments against LR-118
Notable arguments made in opposition to the measure included:
- It is unfair for Montanans to be forced to pay for other people's educations.
- The Montana university system spends too much, adding to the state's debt.
- Some Montanans might object to funding a university system that "attempted suppression of a Christian group while funding 'Sex-a-Palooza'" and enacted policies which disarm students.
- If the levy were defeated, it might inspire a new "'bottom-up' funding approach" which could grant students consumer power and lead to "healthy competition" between universities.
A Taxpayer's Perspective from NTU
Legislative Referendum No. 118 asked Montana’s voters to continue a special 6-mill levy on all real estate and personal property, with the funds going to support the university system. The current 6-mill levy will stay in effect between January 2009 and January 2019.[2]
Polling information
- See also Polls, 2008 ballot measures.
| Month of Poll | Pollster | Yes | No | Undecided | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 2008 | MSU Billings | 69 percent | - | - | [3] |
See also
- List of Montana ballot measures
- Laws governing the initiative process in Montana
- Montana Initiative and Referendum Law
- Campaign finance requirements for Montana ballot measures
- Montana 2008 ballot measures
References
- 2008 Voter Information Pamphlet (PDF) Montana Secretary of State website
External links
- LR-118 ballot language
- 2008 Ballot Issues: LR-118 Montana Secretary of State website
