AFP is spreading false information to voters

Dear Editor:

Remember the old adage “Don’t believe everything you hear (or read)” and “it must be true, it was on the internet” (or Facebook, et.al.)? Well now those sources include mailers and voice mails.

Today, citizens receive a constant barrage of misinformation and outright dishonesty being peddled by outside entities like Americans for Prosperity (AFP). AFP was founded by, and is primarily funded by, the Koch brothers as their primary political advocacy group. AFP is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, which means it is not required to disclose its donors, and its funding sources are largely confidential; hence their reputation as one of the top ‘dark’ money groups.

In Montana, AFP is engaged in aggressive political tactics trying to persuade voters with false information. They are now leaving automatic voice messages claiming, for example, that HB 231 has provided an unlimited license for local governments to spend whatever they want: “HB 231 is a bill that lets cities keep spending your property taxes like drunken sailors. Instead of controlling government spending, HB 231 gives local governments a blank check, while homeowners, farmers, ranchers, and small businesses get stuck paying more … Paid for by Americans for prosperity.” [Quote from AFP in a voice mail received by me.]

In truth, HB 231 was one of two tax bills passed by the 2025 legislature to provide property tax relief. In fact, HB 231 did not even affect our local taxes, nor does it address local government spending, which is what AFP wants us to believe. And, Montana Code Annotated in Section 15-10-420 limits the size of local government spending growth. Local governments are not allowed to go on spending sprees like “drunken sailors” in Montana.

People who form opinions based on rumor, misinformation, and speculation serve to undermine reality, truth, and prove hurtful in the end. It is simple to look up legislative bills to see what they accomplished and how our local legislators voted. Use the Bill Explorer at the bills.legmt.gov website.  Don’t let others tell you how to think – do your own research and build an informed opinion, not from what you saw on Facebook or read on a mailer from Americans For Prosperity or the like. Don’t be fooled by outside interests that want to tell us how to vote.

Rachel Feigley

Seeley Lake