Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Montana Governor Greg Gianforte held a press conference from the State Capitol Building that concentrated on public education and the importance of the policies his administration has stressed into the current legislative session.

Gianforte Expressed his Support of Public Education

Gianforte spoke glowingly about Montana’s public education system.

“We all want what's best for the next generation,” began Governor Gianforte. “We all want Montana students to receive a high-quality education that prepares them well for the future. Education unlocks a student’s imagination, sparks their curiosity, and opens the door to greater opportunities. Each child is unique, and we should ensure that each child has access to the best education possible that meets his or her individual needs.”

In addition to classroom learning, Gianforte also emphasized work-based learning while receiving classroom credit.

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In addition to the Classroom, Gianforte Supports Work Based Learning

“Students’ success and Montana's future depend on classroom innovation, individualized learning, and work-based learning,” he said. “That's why in 2021, we authorized every school district in the state to establish individualized work-based learning paths for students. Under this new capability that we introduced in 2021, students spend a portion of their school week interning with local businesses, and earning school credit.”

Following his prepared statements, Gianforte took questions from reporters. One asked the governor why some of the tax rebate monies weren’t spent on building affordable housing. Gianforte said legislation called the ‘Homes Act’ helps to lower costs for both the developer and eventually the home buyer.

“I think the Homes Act will make homes more affordable,” he said. “Because when a developer puts in a new subdivision, extending water and sewer as part of the cost under the current system where there is no program for the local municipality, the builder has to front that money and it goes into the cost of the house. Through the Homes Act, the local municipality would invest for that water and sewer, and it's no longer included in the cost of the house. It would get paid back over 20 years through property taxes, so this is a free market approach that I think would bring housing costs down.”

Gianforte Challenged the Minority Leadership to Support his Child Tax Credit

So far, Governor Gianforte’s child tax credit bill has not been passed, and he challenged the minority party leadership to join with him to get the measure passed.

“The minority leader cited three priorities that were in housing, childcare and mental health for to get her support for our child tax credit,” he said. “The point I want to make is that the Republicans in the legislature are making progress on all three of these priorities, and it's now time for the minority leader to step forward and support working families in Montana by supporting our child tax credit. Nothing is dead until the legislature is done, and we still have time on the clock. So I'm hopeful we can revive this child tax credit so we can get help to working families.”

Click here to see the Governor’s entire press conference.

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