Use Your Voice: A Civil Conversation on Tax Policy

In a time when conversations about tax policy often feel polarized, this two-day forum offers something different: a structured, respectful setting for meaningful dialogue.

Hosted by the Burton K. Wheeler Center for Public Policy, this event brings together scholars, policymakers, business leaders, students, and engaged community members to examine the challenges, tradeoffs, and choices shaping Montana’s tax system.

The agenda includes moderated panels, breakout sessions for deeper exploration, and roundtable discussions designed to encourage thoughtful participation and mutual understanding. Participants will engage across perspectives in a forum built for serious discussion rather than rhetoric.

On Monday evening, April 6th, Keynote Speaker Bob Story, former Senator and Executive Director of Montana Taxpayers Association, will deliver the opening address.

The full-day forum on Tuesday, April 7th will feature panel discussions and breakout sessions with Manish Bhatt, Vice President of State Tax Policy from the Tax Foundation, Dr. Kristin Smith, an expert on Montana’s local economies and tax structures, and a moderated discussion between former Governor Marc Racicot and former Representative Dorothy Bradley revisiting their historic statewide sales tax debate during the closely contested 1992 gubernatorial race.

Whether you are interested in public policy, economic development, civic leadership, or Montana’s long-term competitiveness, this event provides an opportunity to listen carefully, ask informed questions, and contribute meaningfully to the conversation.

Civil discourse matters.
Use Your Voice.

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Host or Publisher The Burton K. Wheeler Center and Marc C. Johnson