RGA Releases New Ad In Montana Governor’s Race On Mike Cooney’s Dangerous Tax Record

RGA Right Direction PAC, an organization supported by the Republican Governors Association (RGA), today released a new television and digital ad exposing Democratic Lt. Governor Mike Cooney’s troubling record on taxes at a time when Montana families and small businesses are struggling to make ends meet.

The ad, which will run on statewide television as well as digital platforms, cites Cooney’s support for higher taxes on nursing homes and hospitals, as well as his documented attempt to create a statewide sales tax during his time in the Montana State Senate. Cooney voted for legislation to raise the nursing home bed tax in 2005, as well as legislation to extend the hospital tax on inpatient beds.

In 2004, Cooney requested draft legislation to enact a “4 percent sales tax and use tax on the retail sale of goods.” Four percent is the maximum sales tax allowable under the Montana Constitution. Cooney’s support for a sales tax didn’t stop there: In a 2002 interview with the Independent Record, prior to beginning his first term in the senate, Cooney suggested that new taxes “could range from a targeted sales tax to a tax on medical providers,” and he voted for local option sales tax legislation in 2005 and 2007. An analysis of data from the Montana Department of Revenue and the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that the average Montana household would pay an additional $1,400 per year under a 4% sales tax.

“It’s easy to see why Mike Cooney is desperately trying to mislead Montana voters about his tax-hiking record – his irresponsible agenda would be downright dangerous for families, small businesses, and seniors facing economic and healthcare challenges at this critical time,” said RGA Communications Director Amelia Chassé Alcivar. “At this point Montanans have to be asking: Is there anything Mike Cooney won’t tax?”

Script for “Dangerous”

It’s just dangerous.

Mike Cooney voted for higher taxes on nursing homes…

For higher taxes on hospitals…

And Mike Cooney tried to create a massive Montana sales tax.

A sales tax could have taken nearly $1,400 out of your pocket a year.

The times are tough and liberal Mike Cooney is just wrong on taxes.

RGA Right Direction PAC is responsible for the content of this advertising.