In the 1980 Presidential debates, Ronald Reagan asked the memorable question, “Are you better off (now) than you were four years ago?” Well here we are 25 years later and as our local and national elections unfold I believe the same question deserves to be asked and answered once again.

If you’re not better off, you’re not alone. Consider this: 1) The share of national income taken down by the wealthiest 1% rose from 14.6% in 2003 to 17.4% in 2005. 2) The real household median income in 2006 was 2.2% lower than it was in 1999. 3) A young person in their 30’s today will make 12% less than than their parents 30 years ago. (Sources, Newsweek and Vanity Fair)

Are the rich getting richer? You bet!

One reason is that big out-of-state corporations use Montana as a tax haven. 40% of the largest 500 companies doing business in Montana paid less than $500 in Montana corporate income taxes. (Source, MT Standard) 65 of those companies paid less than $500 for four years running.

In the last legislative session a bill was passed in the Senate that addresses this loophole. FYI - the Republican majority in the house killed the bill.

“Fair is fair” - we can do better.