“School choice” advocates are urging Montana legislators to approve a bill that would provide children with more educational options through financial support. High private school expenses force some parents to choose which child attends, but a proposed tax credit for donations and educational expenses could help, supporters told the House Education Committee.
Tom Noonan, president of Missoula Catholic Schools, highlighted that tuition at Loyola Sacred Heart High School in Missoula will exceed $14,000 next year, necessitating financial aid for parents. “School choice is not just a policy, it is a remarkable tool of empowerment,” Noonan stated.
Critics, however, argue that within a decade, the credits could cost Montana up to $100 million, especially with an existing education tax credit and a potentially rising cap. They also contend the bill establishes a new education system while public schools struggle, lacking equal opportunities for public school students.
Parents advocating for “school choice” have sought state support for private schools. In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue that the state’s ban on religious school participation in tax credits was unconstitutional.
Bill sponsor Rep. Lee Deming, R-Laurel, explained that House Bill 320 aligns with the Espinoza case, refuting claims it would harm public education. “I’m a 43-year public school educator, and I have no interest in harming public schools whatsoever,” Deming said.
Lance Melton from the Montana School Boards Association criticized the bill for discriminating against public school enrollees. He noted a previous bill offers tax credits for both public and private schools equally, stating, “This bill is not that. It actually bypasses the very equality that we’ve previously agreed upon.”
The bill proposes the Montana Academic Prosperity Program for Scholars (MAPPS), offering $4 million in tax credits for donations toward educational expenses in its first year, with another $4 million available to parents. If the program reaches 80% of its cap, it can increase by 25% annually.
Families earning up to 500% of the poverty level could apply for up to $7,000 annually for educational expenses, including tuition, textbooks, and fees. An oversight council would approve these expenses.
Opponents, like Jenny Walsh from Missoula, argue the program is a benefit for wealthy families, reducing their taxes at a cost to all taxpayers. Kim Popham of the Montana Federation of Public Employees criticized the diversion of resources from public schools, especially in rural areas.
Proponents such as the Alliance for Choice in Education and Ed Choice support the bill, highlighting its potential to assist students who fall through educational gaps. Lisa Russell from ACE Scholarships of Montana reported a 100% graduation rate among 10,411 students, attributing success to private funding and scholarships.
Opponents expressed concerns over the bill’s lack of oversight. Doug Reisig from the Montana Quality Education Coalition argued the bill’s delegation of power to the MAPPS council is unconstitutional. Rob Watson from School Administrators of Montana warned of potential misuse of taxpayer funds, citing questionable past expenses like a circus camp.
The committee had not yet acted on the bill, and amendments were pending at press time.
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