The Montana Senate has moved forward with House Bill 252, known as the STARS Act, which aims to provide more funding to school districts that increase their basic teacher pay. The bill, which passed 40-10, includes provisions for districts to receive additional funding if they raise their lowest teacher salary above $41,000 and expand programs like dual credit and career and technical education. While the Montana Federation of Public Employees sees this as a positive step, they believe the $45 to $50 million allocated for public schools is insufficient and express concerns about the restrictions on funding access for some schools.
In addition to the STARS Act, the MFPE is also monitoring Senate Bill 7, which would allow Montana Highway Patrol troopers and sheriff’s deputies to access their pensions earlier. Previously, a 2023 law required new members of these retirement systems to work 20 years and reach the age of 50 before retiring, but SB 7 seeks to revert this requirement back to 20 years of service. The MFPE is urging Governor Gianforte to sign SB 7 and push for other bills that address issues with law enforcement pensions that were enacted in 2023.
Overall, the MFPE is encouraged by the progress made in the state legislature to rectify past legislation affecting public school funding and law enforcement pensions. The union remains hopeful that these bills will be signed into law to provide support for educators and law enforcement personnel across Montana.
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