State of Montana Newsroom
OPI Superintendent Arntzen, Legislators Celebrate Transmittal of Legislation Aiding Special Education Children to Governor’s Desk
HELENA – Montana State Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen issued the following statement following the transmittal of HB 46, legislation introduced by Representative David Bedey of Hamilton to add the special education allowable cost payment to the state’s base amount for school equity (BASE) Aid funding formula, to Governor Greg Gianforte’s desk:
“Now that HB 46 has been enrolled and transmitted to the Governor, I look forward to him signing this very commonsense and bipartisan legislation. The families of our most precious Montana children are counting on him to provide them with stability and hope. Special needs students require additional services to ensure their success, and that’s through no fault of their own. As the daughter of a special education teacher, I would be dismayed if the Governor lets this opportunity to help our school districts and our families pass. Let’s get this bill signed and ensure that Montana lives up to its commitment to these amazing young men and women.”
Additionally, Rep. David Bedey (R-Hamilton), the sponsor of HR 46, said the following: “HB 46 provides a fiscally responsible solution to the challenge of educating Montana’s special needs students and received strong bipartisan support from the Legislature. School districts across the state are looking forward to predictable special education funding that relieves pressure on their budgets.”
Sen. Dan Salomon (R-Ronan), who carried the bill in the Senate, stated: “We have been working on this issue for many years to ensure these students receive the services they need. It’s time to sign this bill.”
The legislation passed Third Reading in the House by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 71-28 and the Senate by a vote of 42-7. It was transmitted to Governor Gianforte’s desk yesterday.
###
Contact:
Chris Averill, Communications Director, 406-444-3449