Dear Editor: Concerning HB320

Dear Editor,

Concerning House Bill 320 (HB 320): I applaud Representative Walsh's rationale as stated in the Whitehall Ledger's March 12th issue on his NO vote on HB 320. He reasoned a NO vote due to the "lack of proper oversight and the risk of undermining the foundation of public education." The 32-page bill reads like IRS instructions. It is overly complex and ambiguous on the types of private education that could qualify for educational tax credits. I did manage to find the sections where numerous oversight policies were rescinded, justifying Walsh's NO vote. In addition, there could have been a constitutional issue with the failed bill.

Lance Melton, who represents the Montana School Boards Association, was quoted on Montana Public Radio saying that "the program did not include public school students, which is unconstitutional." Thanks to Representative Walsh for protecting our tax dollars and standing up for public education!

One final note: I was disappointed that Representative Bertoglio voted YES on HB 320.

DON LEPINSKY

Whitehall, Montana