Education
Funding for Montana Indian education rejected


A bill to provide $6.1 million for Montana's Indian Education for All Act was killed on Tuesday when all Republicans and three Democrats voted against it.

The state constitution requires public schools to teach about Indian culture and history. But no money has ever been provided.

Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D) has earmarked $2 million over two years to carry out the mandate but Indian educators and Indian lawmakers say that isn't enough. But Republicans questioned whether providing more money was necessary.

Get the Story:
'Indian Education for All' funding bill falters (The Great Falls Tribune 3/30)
Bill to strengthen education about Indians dies (The Billings Gazette 3/30)

Relevant Links:
Montana Indian Education Association - http://www.mtiea.org
Montana Office of Public Instruction - http://www.opi.state.mt.us

Related Stories:
Montana Indian education bill set for another vote (3/28)
Bill boosting Indian education funding advances (3/25)
Funding for Indian education called inadequate (3/24)
Funding for Indian education in Montana slashed (3/14)
Indian lawmakers to play big role in education (01/24)
Montana lawmakers told to fund Indian education (1/12)
Montana group proposes $23M for Indian education (12/07)
Indian lawmakers in Montana set priorities (11/17)
Indian education summit underway in Montana (10/15)
Montana panel approves Indian education plan (08/17)
Montana lawmakers reviewing Indian education (04/05)