The Montana Taxpayers Association’s 89^th Annual meeting will be held Thursday, December 9^th   at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel in Helena.  “Our meeting has become the leading forum in Montana covering the hottest topics facing the nation and our state.  It should be of interest to all Montana taxpayers,” said Mary Whittinghill, President of the Association.  

Carlos E. Bonilla, Managing Partner and Chief Economist of Airline Forecasts, will start the meeting with what promises to be a lively and informative discussion:  “The Elections are Over, Now What?”    Mr. Bonilla has years of experience in DC including providing strategic planning and analysis from 2003 to 2008 for The White House National Economic Council and serving as Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy.  

Next, you’ll hear more about an item not included in the Governor’s Budget, but certainly to get some discussion this session:  “Underfunded Pension Plans:  It’s Worse Than You Think.”  Senator Dave Lewis will provide an overview of the actions of the State Administration and Veteran’s Committee this interim and Josh Barro, Walter B. Wriston Fellow at the  

Manhattan Institute for Policy Research will provide the view across the nation and some ideas for Montana.  

The next panel will focus on Montana’s economy, finances, and budget and accounting for financial risk in forecasting.  The  panelists will be Dr. Patrick Barkey, Director of Bureau of Business and Economic Research University of Montana, Terry Johnson, Principal Fiscal Analyst,  Legislative Fiscal Division and Dr. Myles Watts, Professor of Economics, Department of Agriculture Economics and Economics, Montana State University.    This panel has always proven to bring you the most current information on what lawmakers and the taxpayers of Montana can expect in the upcoming session.  

We were fortunate to get Dr. Richard Dye, Institute of Government and Public Affairs-University of Illinois as an afternoon speaker.  His topic “Clarity and Consistency in State Budget Reporting” will cover a recent study he conducted in Illinois and a new project he is starting that will study budgetary practices and budget transparency issues across the United States.  Transparent and consistent state and local budgets has always been an objective of our association.  Hopefully, Montana will be able to participate in this important project.   

The Senators and Representatives serving as leadership for the 2011 Legislative Session will give their perspectives on the upcoming legislative session.  The Honorable Karla Gray, former chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court, moderate this distinguished panel.  You won’t want to miss this sneak preview of what’s to come!  

“Each year we try to provide an overview of current issues and an opportunity for our members and the public to interact and share ideas.”  The annual meeting is open to all interested persons.  

Following the day’s event will be a reception.  CLE & CPE units are available.  The cost of the meeting is $75 for members and $125 for non-members.  Registration fees rise after December 3^rd.   

The Montana Taxpayers Association provides an essential, nonpartisan link between taxpayers and the legislative process. The Association works with both private and public sectors to develop fair, equitable, and predictable tax policies. Register by calling the association at (406)442-2130 or visit www.montax.org.