The Montana House progressed with two pivotal education proposals, aiming to boost starting teacher pay and support private school students. These bills, designed to address pressing educational concerns, navigated legislative debates with varied backing. As they face further examination in appropriations and an additional floor vote, the potential impacts on Montana’s educational landscape are underscored.
House Bill 252 seeks to enhance starting teacher pay and passed decisively 93-7 with bipartisan support. In contrast, House Bill 320 narrowly passed 51-48, aiming to facilitate “school choice” for families.
Sponsored by Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, HB 252 not only raises starting teacher pay but also provides incentives for academic excellence and housing assistance in expensive areas. Dubbed the STARS Act, it enjoys support from the Governor’s Office and was crafted with statewide community and educational input. “It’s had a lot of collaboration across the state,” Jones noted. Critics like Rep. Jane Gillette, R-Three Forks, questioned its efficacy compared to past legislation.
Jones argued previous attempts lacked sufficient funding, but the current $50 million proposal promises more robust participation. Rep. Luke Muszkiewicz, D-Helena, supported the bill but cautioned about its limitations, highlighting a $92.5 million inflation gap for school districts.
HB 320, or Montana’s Academic Prosperity Program for Scholars (MAPPS), aims to help families with private school costs through tax credits. Rep. Lee Deming, R-Laurel, explained that the bill sets a $10 million cap for both parental expenses and donations. Although amended, concerns about potential revenue loss persist. The bill narrowly passed, facing scrutiny over costs and accountability.
Rep. Sherry Essmann, R-Billings, criticized the lack of early job performance reviews and broad credit claims. Meanwhile, Rep. Mark Thane, D-Missoula, warned of escalating costs, estimating a $12 million impact by 2029. Despite opposition, Rep. Terry Falk, R-Kalispell, defended the bill, likening school choice to funding essential services. Rep. Kerri Seekins-Crowe, R-Billings, emphasized the need for educational options amid economic challenges, supporting the bill’s alignment with family needs for alternative education.
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