Legislation Would Expand Childcare Scholarship Program

Proponents of a bill in the Montana House say an estimated 2,500 children could be added to a Montana childcare scholarship if it passes.

House Bill 457 would change eligibility for the Best Beginnings Scholarship, a fund that currently only applies to families with incomes less than 185% of the federal poverty level, which is about $39,000 a year for a household of two.

The bill would change the requirement to 85% of Montana’s median income. According to 2023 U.S. Census numbers, that would be about $60,000 a year for a household.

Rep. Jonathan Karlen, D-Missoula, is carrying the bill. He sai...