HELENA, Mont. — On Thursday, Governor Greg Gianforte held his first press conference since the legislative session began, bringing a guest as he continues pushing his tax relief proposals.

He is proposing to reduce Montana’s income tax rate and to deliver permanent property tax relief for homeowners at their primary residence.

Republican and Democratic legislative leaders say they prefer alternatives to the governor’s proposed cut to the state’s top-bracket income tax rate.

Governor Greg Gianforte was in Bozeman on Wednesday to discuss income and property tax relief for Montanans. President Donald Trump began his White House briefing Thursday with a moment of silence and a prayer for victims of Wednesday's crash at Reagan National Airport.

A property tax relief measure touted by Gov. Greg Gianforte as his signature response to widespread public angst over rising residential tax bills would lower taxes on primary residences by raising them on second homes and Airbnb-style short-term vacation rentals.