Older Montanans need new tax

To the Editor:

The Montana Legislature has under consideration a bill of vital importance to all of us - SB 332 - the "pop tax."

It will cost all of us who consume soda about a nickel a can but will provide our state with the money we need to fund local aging services namely, meals-on-wheels, respite care and in-home services to name a few. There are thousands of elderly Montanans who do not have access to these services because there is not enough money. SB 332 will provide that necessary funding.

It also provides money for the establishment of the Older Montanans Trust Fund (a fund that will build revenues until such time as the "baby boomers" move through our public health care system) and money for our Montana kids who want to attend college in Montana.

Please talk with your legislator and urge them to support this important piece of legislation.

Truman L. Struck

President, Lincoln County Council on Aging