MEA-MFT 2005 Special Legislative Session
Voting Record

HB = House Bill SB = Senate Bill

HB 1 (Wanzenried) Education and Retirement System Appropriations
A critical first step for the state of Montana in addressing school funding and public retirement systems in the state. HB 1 appropriates over $190 million in a combination of ongoing and one-time funds to public schools and the beleaguered Teachers and Public Employees Retirement Systems.

In addition to providing appropriations for the ongoing funding components created in SB 1, HB 1 provides additional one-time dollars to schools for maintenance, weatherization, energy costs, Indian Education for All, and a statewide assessment of facility and energy needs.

MEA-MFT position: Support
Votes: 2nd Reading - House Floor
3rd Reading - House Floor
2nd Reading - Senate Floor
3rd Reading - Senate Floor
Status: Became law.

SB 1 (Ryan) School Funding
The governor's proposal to establish four important new components in Montana's school funding formula, including a per-educator component, an at-risk component, an American Indian achievement gap payment, and an Indian Education for All component.

As finally amended in the Senate, SB 1 provides Montana school districts with $2,000 per licensed educator and/or licensed professional staff member; per-student payments for Native American and at-risk students; and additional per-student funding for districts to address Indian Education for All requirements. All together, SB 1 provides funding formula changes that will infuse over $35 million of ongoing revenues into Montana schools.

MEA-MFT position: Support
Votes: 2nd Reading - Senate Floor
3rd Reading - Senate Floor
2nd Reading - House Floor
3rd Reading - House Floor
Status: Became law.

Read House of Representatives voting record.

Read Senate voting record.