The Power Base is an annual scientific poll of 800 Montana voters on a variety of business and political issues with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percent. The poll is commissioned by the Montana Chamber of Commerce and other groups to determine what regular Montanans think about important economic issues facing our state.
As in previous surveys, the poll shows Montanans want to see more business growth, especially in high-wage businesses like the natural resource industries.
18 percent are opposed. While there has been a lot of talk lately about more energy development, we could be doing so much more. I would encourage lawmakers to look at those hurdles to new energy development and do something about them. Montanans are asking for more.
The survey is also a good opportunity to see what financial concerns voters may have. For the second straight year, health care costs continue to be a top priority at 28 percent.
These concerns have prompted organizations like the Montana Chamber to do something about health care. Four years ago, the Montana Chamber started a health insurance program called "Chamber Choices" that allows small businesses to pool together to purchase reasonably priced health insurance. In just this short amount of time, the program covers over 18,000 Montanans - more than half of which were previously uninsured.
Additionally, job creation and increased wages are the top election concerns of voters at 15 percent. Lower taxes and government spending, improving education and lowering health care costs tied for second place at
13 percent as the next highest priority for elected officials.
The message from the survey is clear: Montanans want to see the state move towards long-term, sustainable growth by increasing natural resource development, improving our business climate and creating more good-paying jobs.
We've seen Montana's economy grow over the past five years, but we can't be content with good times today. If we work with together to create a resilient economy, we can look forward to many years of prosperity ahead.
Karen Olson Beenken is chairwoman of the Montana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She owns and operates Blue Rock Beverage Company in Sidney.
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