State Sen. Albert “Al” Olszewski (R-Kalispell), a candidate for governor in the 2020 election, has released a newsletter that asks citizens to help grow the state’s workforce.
“Montana's unemployment rate is at an unbelievable low of 3.3 percent,” the newsletter states. “Working Montanans have an extra $1,500-$3,000 in their pockets this year due to Trump's tax reforms. Even the state of Montana is reaping the harvest. Montana's 2018 individual income tax revenue grew at an astounding rate of 11.1 percent. That's $130 million dollars more than 2017. As a consequence, Montana has ‘help wanted’ signs sprouting up all over the state. In order to fill these jobs, it is time to invite Montanans who have been sitting on the sidelines of this hot economy to help fill all the job vacancies across the state.”
Residents receiving welfare assistance, people with disabilities and seniors are encouraged to join in the effort.
In his travels around the state, Olszewski notes how many seniors he has met who have reached retirement age and still want to work, provided they can protect their Social Security.
“As your next governor, I will promote and sign legislation similar to Senate Bill 217 sponsored by Sen. David Howard in the last legislative session,” the newsletter states. “This bill would double the amount of income exempted from taxing Social Security pensions in Montana. The estimated impact to our Montana seniors is $25 million of their Social Security pensions put back in their own pockets every year.”
More workers will help propel the state’s economy forward, the newsletter concludes.
“A strong economy with low employment is a good challenge for Montana to experience. Let us not waste this opportunity to invite all Montanans, especially those who need our assistance, to prosper in this strong economy by obtaining a good paying job.”
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