Flathead Valley Business: Kalispell, Montana News

Energy. It is the lifeblood of the American economy. For this reason, it is no surprise that energy policy discussions receive a great deal of attention. Done wrong, energy policy can significantly harm the economy. That is a real concern as the U.S. Congress and individual states debate legislation that aims to address climate change and potentially overhaul our country's energy system.

Montana is blessed with abundant natural resources that help fuel the economy. As a provider of North American energy sources, Montana contributes to our nation's energy security. Increasing our energy security should be a central goal of any energy policy. However, policy proposals being considered in Congress and by the Western Climate Initiative (of which Montana is a member) would put our energy security and our economic prosperity at risk.

In late summer and early fall, many Montanans were unpleasantly surprised to receive notices telling them their property values had skyrocketed. The reappraisals, due every six years from the state Department of Revenue, meant their property taxes would take a big leap forward, too. In areas like Gallatin and Flathead counties, where the 2002-2008 period saw a dramatic real estate boom – followed by a bust – some property values increased 300 percent or more.

But there was hope for people feeling the pain. First, property owners could seek relief by appealing their appraisals, either by asking for informal reviews from the Department of Revenue (DOR) or by appealing directly to their County Tax Appeal Board. Second, local governments could decrease their mill levies, the formulas that actually determine how much property tax residents pay.

HELENA – Some groups are criticizing a proposal from the state Revenue Department that would lighten penalties for businesses that sell alcohol to minors if they require worker training.

Currently, bars, casinos and stores that illegally sell alcoholic beverages to minors can be fined between $250 and $1,500 and face losing their liquor license.

WASHINGTON – After months of maneuvering, the Senate stands at the brink of a historic battle over health care with President Barack Obama and his allies on one side and Republicans, outnumbered but unflinching, on the other.

"Now it's America's turn, and this will not be a short debate," Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican leader, warned after Majority Leader Harry Reid unveiled long-awaited legislation Wednesday night to extend coverage to 30 million more Americans and force insurance companies to take all comers.

BOZEMAN – Moonlight Basin Ranch said Wednesday the ski and golf community has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after Lehman Brothers decided to foreclose on an outstanding loan.

According to court documents, the resort put its lodge, spa, Jack Nicklaus golf course and several entities up as collateral just over two years ago for the $100 million loan.

HELENA – U.S. Sen. Jon Tester said a lot of good things Wednesday night about the sweeping Senate health care bill — but stopped short of promising to vote for it.

Tester spoke to constituents in a telephone town hall meeting after the bill was released by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid — who is now trying to gather 60 critical votes in support of it.

Tester had only good things to say about the Senate health care reform plan. But will he vote for it?

At the end of November, downtown Kalispell will turn the page to a new chapter. And the words will be gone.

After 42 years, Books West is closing its doors. As one of the few remaining independent bookstores in the valley, it’s a blow to those who still believe a book purchased from your neighbor is more satisfying than one bought from strangers on the Internet. Along with a smattering of used and niche bookstores, there will now only be one independent distributor left in the valley selling new titles, Bookworks in Whitefish.

WASHINGTON – The political stakes enormous, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid launched long-awaited health care legislation Wednesday estimated to extend coverage to 94 percent of eligible Americans at a cost of $849 billion.

Initial maneuvering on the Senate floor was expected later in the week on the measure, bitterly opposed by Republicans eager to deny President Barack Obama a victory on his top domestic priority.