News

Missoulian Editorial: Montana Legislature’s inaction on dropout age bill appalling and inexcusable

February 3, 2013 /

MATR Sponsor (view all)

"For small to medium to national organizations, for events and fundraisers of any size, in any format – live, virtual or hybrid – the platform is built for scale."

The Montana Legislature’s Senate Education and Cultural Resources Committee is apparently fine with Montana students dropping out of school before they’ve earned that diploma. Before they’ve reached the age of 18, even.

For the past few years, Montana has made a concerted effort to reduce its rate of high school dropouts. It’s taken a lot of work – a lot of coordination and cooperation among community and education groups from every corner of the state – and it’s paying off.

But apparently, the Montana Legislature’s Senate Education and Cultural Resources Committee isn’t on board with this effort. On the contrary: it’s perfectly fine with Montana students dropping out of school before they’ve earned that diploma. Before they’ve reached the age of 18, even.

How else to explain the committee’s tabling last Monday of Senate Bill 13, which would finally raise Montana’s embarrassingly low legal drop-out age from 16 to 18 years old or upon graduation?

Full Editorial: http://missoulian.com/news/opinion/editorial/missoulian-editorial-legislature-s-inaction-on-dropout-age-bill-appalling/article_3c6c52c0-6c8f-11e2-bd69-001a4bcf887a.html

***

"The State with the Best Education Wins!"

The number to call is (406) 444-4800, and be sure to specify that your message is meant for the Senate Education Committee.

2013 Senate Education and Cultural Resources Committee

Peterson, Jim (R – Ch) http://www.leg.mt.gov/css/Sessions/63rd/leg_info.asp?HouseID=0&SessionID=107&LAWSID=12897

Jones, Llew (R – V Ch) http://www.leg.mt.gov/css/Sessions/63rd/leg_info.asp?HouseID=0&SessionID=107&LAWSID=13870

Arntzen, Elsie (R) http://www.leg.mt.gov/css/Sessions/63rd/leg_info.asp?HouseID=0&SessionID=107&LAWSID=12925

Brown, Taylor (R) http://www.leg.mt.gov/css/Sessions/63rd/leg_info.asp?HouseID=0&SessionID=107&LAWSID=13751

Driscoll, Robyn (D) http://www.leg.mt.gov/css/Sessions/63rd/leg_info.asp?HouseID=0&SessionID=107&LAWSID=12924

Facey, Tom (D) http://www.leg.mt.gov/css/Sessions/63rd/leg_info.asp?HouseID=0&SessionID=107&LAWSID=12553

Lewis, Dave (R) http://www.leg.mt.gov/css/Sessions/63rd/leg_info.asp?HouseID=0&SessionID=107&LAWSID=13747