How would tax cuts be paid for?

At a gubernatorial campaign fundraiser, U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., pledged to cut taxes 30 percent over his first two years. The promise of “huge tax cuts” is attractive, but voter beware: Tasty bait often hides painful hooks.

State government runs on income taxes. Local cities, counties and schools run on property taxes. Of state taxes, 91 percent support locally delivered services, the big three being education, health care and incarceration. Montana’s Balanced Budget Amendment prevents deficit spending, so … under a Balanced Budget Amendment, cutting taxes 30 percent would force 30...