Overwhelming Majority of Montanans age 45+ Want Tax Relief, Exclusive AARP “Vital Voices” Survey Reveals

More than three in four respondents find it extremely or very important that Montana legislators eliminate or reduce the tax on Social Security benefits in Montana and 68% want property tax relief.

Helena, Mont., Sept. 27, 2022 — AARP Montana today released the results of a new survey finding that an overwhelming majority of Montanans age 45+ want state legislators to offer a state income tax exemption or reduction in the tax rates for Social Security income. The survey also revealed that 68% of Montanans age 45+ want to see property tax relief. 

"We want to know what’s on people’s minds," said Tim Summers, AARP Montana State Director.  "Whether they’re older Montanans looking at options for home and community-based services or they’re currently working and looking forward to retirement, we are continually trying to gauge their opinion. There's no way to know what everybody is experiencing unless we ask.  AARP Montana conducted this survey to further understand not only what our members are saying, but what all Montanans age 45 and older are saying.” 

See Infographic Summary of Results >>

The statewide survey, by Alan Newman Research, was conducted from July 21 to August 5, 2022 on behalf or AARP. The survey was conducted by telephone (both landline and cell phone) among a cross section of over 700 Montana residents age 45 and older. It also found: 

• Independent living and long-term care is a priority issue, with the following being important to Montana adults age 45+:
  
  • 85% Staying in your own home as you get older
  • 84% Getting to places you need to go independently
  • 83% Being able to afford the costs of owning and maintaining your home
  • 70% Staying in your community as you get older
  • 72% Having affordable housing options in your community
  • 76% Having high quality long-term care in your community
  • 67% Having flexibility in your schedule to care for a loved one

• Montana adults age 45+ want tax relief
  
  • 77% support eliminating or reducing the tax on Social Security benefits in Montana
  • 70% of registered voters age 45+ in Montana support property tax circuit breakers
  • 68% believe it is extremely or very important that Montana state legislators work to offer significant property tax relief in the next legislative session
  • 64% are concerned about being able to afford property taxes over the next 5 years

“These results not only support our advocacy and outreach efforts on legislative priorities, but they become important for community leaders throughout Montana,” said Summers.  “As officials make public policy decisions that impact the lives of all Montanans, it’s essential for them to have reliable research results that accurately gauge public opinion."

AARP’s Vital Voices research helps understand the needs and interests of the 45+ population across the states. Over a three-year cycle, AARP Research surveys this population with questions customized for each state, allowing AARP to focus on the issues that matter most state-by-state. 

Issues that are central to AARP’s mission such as health and healthcare, financial security and independent living are key topics. 

Insights from these surveys supports AARP’s advocacy efforts at the state and local level. Many AARP state offices routinely use these data when meeting with legislators and delivering public testimony.

In addition to state-specific work, AARP runs a parallel national survey each year that supports comparisons between states and across the whole nation. AARP is creating a Vital Voices database that allows users to drill down to state-level issues, track data over time and aggregate different geographic locations as desired.  To see AARP insights on Americans 45+ in every state visit: www.aarp.org/vitalvoices.

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About AARP: AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media. 

About AARP Montana: For over 50 years, AARP has been working right here in big sky country to improve the lives of the 50 plus. As a non-profit organization, AARP Montana advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. We’re committed to building stronger, more livable communities by granting funds through our Community Challenge Grant Program and working with Montanans to create safer streets and improve public transportation, trails and parks.

We also connect Montanans with information and resources as well as help people connect with others who share their interests and passions – like music! As a proud sponsor of The Myrna Soundstage and HomeStream Your Helena Symphony, we bring quality concerts to Montanans in their own homes. By fighting on issues that matter most to Montana families and providing trusted information, we’re helping to empower Montanans to choose how they live as they age. As a nonpartisan organization, AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political action committees, campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/MT or follow @AARPMontana on social media.

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More AARP Montana Vital Voices Survey Resources -- August 2022:

• Vital Voices: Issues That Impact Montana Adults Age 45 and Older -- Annotated Questionnaire
• Vital Voices: Issues That Impact Montana Adults Age 45 and Older -- Data Tables
• Vital Voices: Issues That Impact Montana Adults Age 45 and Older -- Methodology Report
• Vital Voices: Issues That Impact Montana Adults Age 45 and Older -- Respondent Profile