Op Ed: A Challenge to the Freedom Caucus

For weeks now, Montanans have been treated to a steady stream of op-eds from legislators—among them Jane Gillette, Shannon Maness, and Tracy Sharp—denouncing the recent property tax legislation. Their criticisms have focused on SB 542, which created a homestead exemption for primary residences and a different tax rate on second homes.

Here is the real question: If SB 542 is so bad, why did Gillette, Maness, and Sharp vote for it?

It sounds like Gillette, Maness, and Sharp voted for SB 542 without reading and understanding its contents. After receiving a salary and benefits as members of the Le...