Dear Editor: Americans for Prosperity Flyer

Dear Editor,

I assume that the flyer from Americans for Prosperity (AFP) regarding my vote on HB 320, commonly referred to as the Montana Academic Prosperity Program for Scholars (MAPPS), was distributed county- or district-wide. Therefore, I felt it was important to respond.

I fully support education for all and respect the desire for choices, including private, homeschool, or hybrid options. However, I firmly believe that taxpayer dollars should prioritize public education.

Let’s first examine what HB 320 would have done if passed. The bill proposed up to $8 million in tax credits—$4 million from taxpayer or corporate donations and another $4 million in credits for which parents could apply. These funds could be used for qualified expenses such as tuition, textbooks, fees, and other resources, whether through accredited or non-accredited organizations approved by the oversight council. However, the bill lacked critical safeguards, accountability measures, and reporting requirements to ensure proper use of these funds. Without these protections, the potential for misuse is significant. Additionally, the bill did not adequately address how it would ensure equitable access for students across all districts, particularly those in rural or underserved areas. Without these critical details, I could not, in good conscience, support a measure that might inadvertently create disparities or financial challenges for our state.

Meanwhile, the state’s general fund would lose $8 million—funds that could have been used to lower income taxes or address infrastructure needs in our communities.

It’s also worth noting that in the 2023 session, HB 279 was passed, allowing for tax credits for both private and public schools. This included the Student Scholarship Organization (SSO) Tax Credit for private schools and the Innovative Education Program Tax Credit for public schools.

Each program can receive up to $6 million in income tax credits annually, totaling $12 million in 2025. These credits can increase by 20% each year, reaching $14.4 million in 2026. The SSO supports scholarships offered by qualified education providers, while the Innovative Education Program provides supplemental funding for public school programs. HB 320 would have further expanded taxpayer-funded nonpublic education, diverting even more resources away from public schools.

While I recognize that not all students thrive in traditional educational models, I believe our public school system works hard to provide individualized instruction within its limited resources. Expanding taxpayer-funded nonpublic education without proper oversight risks undermining the foundation of public education. I remain committed to working on policies that genuinely uplift our students and provide them with the tools they need to succeed. I welcome further dialogue on how we can achieve this goal together.

As always, I am here to listen and learn from my constituents. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Representative.

KEN WALSH, HD 69

Twin Bridges, Montana