Education

Max Baucus: Doing what’s right for Montana’s students

As chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, Montana’s senior U.S. Senator, Max Baucus was a key author of the Jobs Bill- working to ensure the economic recovery legislation was right for Montana. The Jobs Bill will bring more than $600 million dollars to Montana and create or sustain more than 11,000 jobs.

From funding vital programs to closing the achievement gap to making higher education more affordable- this Jobs Bill will help Montana’s students.

This bill will create good paying jobs now and help ensure Montana’s young people have the tools they need to compete in the future.

The Jobs Bill Provisions for Montana include an estimated:

  • $121.4 million in grants to encourage Montana’s local school districts, public colleges and universities to meet key education performance measures and fund other high priority needs including public safety.
  • $36.7 million for Special Education grants to help every child in Montana succeed in school.
  • $44 million to help close the achievement gap for disadvantaged students.
  • $3.1 million in education technology funds Montana schools can use to purchase up-to-date computers, software and technology; as well as train teachers.
  • $5.8 million in grants to help Montana workers who have been laid off or displaced learn new skills and find new positions that will benefit their communities.
  • $2.9 million for Department of Labor’s Youth State Grants to help Montana’s young people find summer jobs that will prepare them for college and the work force.

 

The bill includes enough funding to modernize at least 412 Montana schools- building or improving labs, classrooms and libraries.

For students heading to college, the Jobs Bill contains a $2,500 tax credit to help pay for tuition, books and other expenses and expands the maximum Pell Grant award to $5,350.

There are several resources available for organizations interested in receiving some of this vital funding. The websites recovery.gov and recovery.mt.gov are excellent places to start.  Baucus staff can also offer support including help contacting the appropriate agency or department and providing support during the funding process.