Funding Changes For Education In Montana Move Ahead In The Senate

The Senate approved a measure that reallocates 10% of the state's oil and natural gas production taxes to fund schools. A main piece of legislation in the works to fund k through 12 education, and creates a "pathway to excellence" program, to track student success. The Montana Supreme Court ruled that education would have to be funded equitably throughout the state and would also have to be defined by quality. The Legislature has struggled to meet those stipulations since 2005. Senate president Jim Peterson says he hopes the plan will have positive effects on other parts of the budget, as well.

Senator Bob Hawks says the bill is too drastic in revamping an already complicated system.