Uncertainty over funding after MT House committee votes down preschool bills

HELENA- The future of public funding for preschool programs in Montana is now uncertain after two proposals to increase the state’s contribution missed an important deadline in the Legislature.

The House Education Committee voted down both bills last week. They needed to pass the House by Monday to remain alive.

House Bill 225, sponsored by House Minority Leader Rep. Casey Schreiner (D-Great Falls), included several of Gov. Steve Bullock’s education initiatives, including a proposal to let school districts receive additional ANB funding – state money paid based on the number of enrolled students – for preschool programs.

It had received a hearing in early February but was finally tabled last week.

House Bill 755, introduced by Republican Rep. Eric Moore, would also have provided more ANB funding for public schools to offer preschool, but it would also have provided money to Head Start programs and private providers.

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