Montana Legislature passes $100 million education bill

The STARS Act — also known as House Bill 252 — was a top policy priority this session for a broad coalition of Republicans, Democrats, public education advocates and Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte. Introduced by Republican Llew Jones, the bill's final vote was 43 to 7 in favor, with the 7 opposed being Republicans.

The act provides for a large number of improvements in Montana's public education system.

The bill’s key feature is a significant increase in state funding for districts that raise beginning teacher salaries to better align with their average teacher pay. But as proponents have routinely pointed out, HB 252 includes a slate of other provisions providing additional financial support for trades-based credentialing and dual-credit opportunities for students, and would allow districts in areas with high housing costs to raise more local money for teacher housing.

See the full article in Montana Free Press for details.