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AARP Montana Sets Legislative Priorities for 2027 Session
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AARP Montana Poll Reveals that Overwhelmingly Majority Want Tax Relief.
AARP Montana will advocate for issues important to Montanans 50+ during the 2027 session and is urging members to ask lawmakers to support its agenda.
Montana’s 2027 legislative session begins January 4, when lawmakers will gather at the Capitol in Helena to consider new legislation and adopt a two-year state budget. AARP Montana, one of the state’s largest membership organizations representing a key voting bloc, is calling for action on priorities that include stronger consumer protections, such as regulating or eliminating cryptocurrency kiosks; tax relief, including property tax relief and ending the tax on Social Security income; protecting Montana’s Medicaid Expansion Program; and supporting family caregivers by strengthening home- and community-based services, expanding care options, and increasing funding.
“AARP Montana polls and surveys consistently show that taxes, family caregiving, financial security, and consumer protection, are top concerns for older Montanans,” said Tim Summers, AARP Montana State Director. “They also make clear that older adults across the state want elected officials to take action on these issues.”
A poll released in September 2025 found that an overwhelming majority of Montanans age 50+ want lawmakers to deliver tax relief.
Specific findings from those surveyed include:
- 76% are concerned about being able to afford their property taxes.
- 92% say it’s important to eliminate or phase out Montana’s tax on Social Security income (53% extremely / 26% very / 13% somewhat).
- 96% say it is important to stay in their own home as they get older
- 74% say elected leaders should place a very high or fairly high priority on affordable housing
- 94% say having high quality long-term care services in their community is important
- 84% are concerned about personally being targeted by a scam or fraud
- 67% are concerned about affording their utility bills in the coming years
- 65% currently or previously served as an unpaid family caregiver
- 97% voted in the previous election
“These findings reinforce our priorities and provide valuable insight for legislative leaders across Montana,” said Summers. “As policymakers make decisions that affect people across the state, they need reliable research that reflects public opinion.”
AARP Montana’s 2027 legislative agenda focuses on the top concerns of the state’s 50+ population. It was shaped by member surveys, input from Montana stakeholders, and issues AARP has pursued in past legislative sessions.
“Older Montanans, especially those 65 and older, are expected to make up a growing share of our state’s population,” said Summers. “Policymakers must prepare for this demographic shift now by strengthening services and community infrastructure so Montanans can remain independent, and engaged.”
AARP Montana 2027 Legislative Agenda:
Supporting Tax Relief Measures for Older Montanans
Retired Montanans pay their fair share of taxes, including property taxes and taxes on other forms of retirement income like pensions and 401ks and Social Security income. They have long contributed to making Montana’s economy strong and continue to do so. AARP will continue to support common sense property tax reform and the elimination or phasing out of Montana’s tax on Social Security Income.
Supporting Family Caregivers & Strengthen Home Care Services
Approximately 151,000 Montana family caregivers provide an estimated 132 million hours of care annually — worth a staggering $2.8 billion of unpaid care to support loved ones who need help to live independently. Additionally, an overwhelming majority of Montanans want to stay in their homes and communities as they age. AARP urges lawmakers to:
- Update Montana’s long-term care system policies and funding structures to better reflect the realities and needs of a rapidly aging state.
- Help family caregivers to manage their loved one’s personal or financial decisions by updating Montana’s adult guardianship and conservatorship laws.
Strengthening Financial Resilience for 50+ Montanans
- Protect Montana’s state pension system. If changes are needed, they should be fiscally responsible and should protect both the long-term viability of existing defined benefit plans and the financial security of retirees.
Fighting Fraud and Elder Abuse
- Supporting legislation aimed at protecting residents from financial fraud linked to cryptocurrency kiosks. Cryptocurrency kiosks, often called crypto ATMs, allow users to conduct digital currency transactions. While these machines can be used for legitimate purposes, they have increasingly become tools for scammers targeting unsuspecting consumers.
- Strengthen civil and criminal penalties for fraud and financial exploitation.
“AARP Montana is the voice of 50+ Montanans at the State Capitol. Our advocacy efforts during the legislative session are effective because of state-wide volunteer grassroots efforts,” said Summers. “This was proven in previous sessions when Montanans all across the state made their voices heard and ultimately made the positive difference. This session we are asking AARP Montana members to contact their legislators early and often.”
Montanans are encouraged to sign up online to stay informed on issues throughout the 2027 session and to become an e-activist at www.aarp.org/getinvolved.
View the full survey results here >>
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