Investing in Montana’s Kids – Gov. Steve Bullock

Today, I visited three of Montana’s first ever state-funded preschool classrooms in Billings, Lockwood, and Shepherd. I listened directly to teachers, parents, and kids who are benefitting from this first-ever investment in preschool. These children now have a brighter future in classrooms that didn’t exist a year ago.

Montana is finally starting to make this long overdue investment in high-quality, early childhood education. We know it works and we know it costs Montana not to invest in our kids. The economic and educational opportunities that come with preschool services will benefit our state for many years to come – and we ought to make it a reality for all of our kids in Montana.

Last year, I worked with the 2017 Montana Legislature to secure the state’s first-ever investment in publicly-funded, high-quality early childhood education. HB 639 passed with bipartisan support and directs $6 million over two years to implement the STARS preschool pilot program http://www.starspreschool.mt.gov/ . Until last year, Montana was one of only six states that had not invested state funds for public preschool.

Seventeen programs across the state were selected to participate in the pilot program and expand access to high-quality preschool for Montana children and families. Those selected represent a diverse group of rural and urban communities, as well as public schools, Head Start, and private child care providers. Over 300 children are now enrolled in STARS Preschool classrooms throughout the state.

Children with high-quality early learning opportunities are more likely to read at grade level, graduate from high school, and earn more money. Every $1 spent on high-quality preschool programs creates $7 in future savings to the communities and states that invest.

I will be asking the 2019 Montana Legislature to again secure funding for publicly-funded, high-quality early childhood education. Please contact your Montana legislators with your support for investing in our earliest learners HERE http://leg.mt.gov/css/About-the-Legislature/Legislative-Districts/default.asp

By increasing access to affordable high-quality preschool programs, we are investing in our economic future and supporting hardworking Montana families. Education is our nation’s great equalizer and Montanans care about a quality education that gives our kids the best opportunity to succeed. I look forward to continuing to work on your behalf to protect and strengthen this shared Montana value.

Sincerely,

STEVE BULLOCK

Governor