Opinion
Op-ed: Recycling incentives important for Montana
Published
11 years agoon
By Mark Nelson Recycle Montana
A 2004 economic study entitled, “The Economic and Ecological Benefits of Recycling in Montana” found recycling created at least 300 full-time jobs, generating $89,120,000 in revenue in 2003.
Recycling collection, processing and manufacturing provide an opportunity to create environmental and economic resources from what would otherwise be waste. Communities across the state are working hard to do their part, but being a rural state far from recycling markets creates challenges.
To help address these, the 1999 Legislature established a tax credit for recycling equipment and a deduction for the purchase of recycled material. Successful, both were made permanent in 2009. As recycling equipment becomes more important for collection and processing, the equipment credit helps businesses keep their operations in Montana. The purchase and use deduction helps develop the markets needed to keep the jobs here, as well. Tax incentives are long-standing tools that generally represent the common ground – and are the bulk of Montana’s policy to support recycling.
Through the equipment incentive, a Billings recycling company purchased the necessary equipment to shred hard drives, with all customer data destroyed beyond recovery. House Bill 581 and Senate Bill 282 repeal these credits and many others that policymakers and Montanans have supported. The incentives match voluntary, private investments that meet Montana goals and generate economic activity.
While both bills seek tax simplification, a more measured approach would better serve Montana. Simplification doesn’t require the elimination of these incentives and others, especially without adequate consideration of the economic benefits they’ve proven to provide to the citizens and the state.
Megan Paulson is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners.
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February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
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15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
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Verge Theater
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
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March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
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Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
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Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass St. Joseph Catholic Mission
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Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
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