Letter Urging Governor Gianforte To Sign Education Freedom Legislation

"The above legislation will help ensure that the opportunity to pursue an excellent education is available to all Montana families, not just wealthy families that can afford it."

May 8th, 2023

Governor Greg Gianforte
Montana State Capitol
Helena, MT 59602

Dear Governor Gianforte:

Today I write to encourage you to sign legislation on your desk that will expand public support for education by empowering Montana families with more opportunities to find an education that is right for their child. 

On your desk are three proposals which, if signed, will strengthen Montana’s constitutional commitment to establish a system of education which will enable each and every student to reach their full educational potential: 

HB 562 – Authorize Community Choice Schools
Authorizing tuition-free Community Choice Schools will expand the innovative education options available to all Montana families and ensure parents have greater opportunity to direct their child’s education.  

HB 393 – Students with Special Needs Equal Opportunity Act
Montana’s first Education Savings Account (ESA) for children who have a disability will allow parents to direct their student’s share of public education dollars to pay for a variety of education options best suited to their child’s unique needs. 

HB 408 – Student Scholarship Organization and Innovative Education Tax Credits
Montanans are eager to support providing students more diverse opportunities and choice in both public and private schools. HB 408 increases the funding cap for both Student Scholarship Organizations Tax Credits and Innovative Education Tax Credits so that even more schools, parents and students can benefit.

Montana’s constitution guarantees equality of educational opportunity to every person. The above legislation will help ensure that the opportunity to pursue an excellent education is available to all Montana families, not just wealthy families that can afford it. We urge you to sign them into law. 

In Liberty,

Kendall Cotton
President & CEO