While Montana parents are celebrating the new access to education tax credits, there is a giant upset over the still limited school choice in the state. This year, the Montana legislature proposed a whole slew of education bills during its session, ranging from Common Core repeal to greater school choice for parents. Yet, of the numerous bills introduced this year, only two education bills made it to Governor Steve Bullock's desk.

Since I began researching politics, I have been a strong supporter of the merit pay system for teachers. Not only have I supported it, but I’ve defended it and fought for it. Unfortunately as school ended last month, I began to see what I believe may be a major flaw in the idea. On the surface it sounds as if it makes sense; pay teachers on a merit system based on their performance. But as is often the case, real life may have uncovered a glitch, and I believe there’s a possibility it may not work in our public schools as they are structured now. Here’s why:

As a parent, I look forward to parent-teacher conferences.  Even if the news is bad, and sometimes it is, it’s better than the information I’m getting at home. The daily school conversation with my children usually goes like this - “How was school, what did you do today?” I ask.  “It was fine, I’m hungry,” is usually the response.  My children are typical, from what I understand, in that the only thing they will open up about are social issues; and even telling me about their social lives will sadly, most likely end during middle school.

Tomorrow, the House Ways and Means Committee will be voting to decide if H.4894 will be brought to the House floor.  The bill gives parents and students greater control over their education by allowing the use of tax credits and deductions to send children to the school that best meets their needs.  

This week, while most Pennsylvanians are looking forward to spending quality time with their families, opponents of school choice will be working overtime to keep students and parents trapped in a failed educational system. But Pennsylvania voters can set them free.

Dear Representative, FreedomWorks is a leading grassroots organization with over one million members fighting for lower taxes, less government and more freedom. I am writing to urge you to vote YES on SB113 which would prohibit collective bargaining between teacher unions and local school boards also referred to as LEAs in Tennessee. Introduced by Senator Jack Johnson (District 23), this bill would bring cost effectiveness and competiveness back to the local school systems.