Doug Reisig

Education nonprofits and advocates say the state isn’t investing enough in Montana’s schools. Earlier this month, they proposed a $1.7 billion plan to state lawmakers that would boost education funding.

The pending federal scholarship tax credit program will offer individuals up to $1,700 in tax credits if they donate to qualified student scholarship organizations. Students awarded scholarships can put them toward public or private school expenses like tuition, supplies or educational therapies.

Many Montana schools faced defeat at the ballot box this May as they requested taxpayer dollars to pay for upgrades that keep students and staff safe. Two Missoula-area schools that say they won’t be able to keep their security up to date.