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House committee hears bill to apply statutory inflation adjustment to K–12 base aid
Summary
Lawmakers and education groups urged quick action on HB 15, which applies the statutory CPI‑based inflation adjustment to Montana’s K–12 base funding formula; OPI analysts said the uncapped formula would calculate 5.67% for FY2026 and 4.83% for FY2027, but statute caps annual increases at 3%.
Representative David Beatty, sponsor of House Bill 15, told the House Education Committee the bill would apply the statutory inflation adjustment to the K–12 base aid funding formula so school districts can plan budgets ahead of the next school year. “Article 10 of Montana’s constitution stipulates that the legislature must fund and distribute in an equitable manner … the state’s share of the cost of the basic elementary and secondary school system,” Beatty said in opening remarks.
Several education organizations testified in support. Emily Dean, director of advocacy for the…
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