The Financial Modernization & Risk Analysis (MARA) study committee will meet at 10 a.m. on Aug. 31 in room 137 of the capitol building. The agenda, meeting materials and information regarding submitting public comment and joining remotely can be found on the committee webpage.
MARA is authorized by HB 330, section 3, and aims to study Montana’s long-term future budget and revenue needs with changing economics and demographics. Members may look at structural revenue challenges with economic, demographic, and geographical variability considerations; revenue sufficiency and probable long-term expenditures by state and local government for services, and programs historically funded by revenue generated from natural resource taxes. They may request staff to create data sets and models for future analysis by the legislature and propose potential solutions and possible legislation for consideration by the 2023 legislature.
The study group consists of members of the Legislative Finance Committee and appointed members of the public:
Legislative Finance Committee members:
- Rep. Llew Jones, Chair
- Sen. Janet Ellis, Vice Chair
- Rep. Mary Caferro
- Rep. Bill Mercer
- Sen. Ryan Osmundson
- Rep. Sharon Stewart Peregoy
Non-legislative members:
- Mark Haggerty, senior fellow, Energy & Environmental Policy Team, Center for American Progress
- Mike Hope, owner, Rockin R Bar
- Dwaine Iverson, CPA
- Heather O’Loughlin, co-director research & development, Montana Budget and Policy Center
