Support education, vote for Six-Mill Levy

Montanans have the opportunity to continue their tradition of common sense investment to support education this election year as we see Legislative Referendum 128 on the November election ballot. The Six-Mill Levy supports all students in higher education and the state of Montana.

In my position as president of the Associated Students of the University of Montana, I have had the honor and privilege to meet some amazing students at the University of Montana that value the education they seek and the state they live in. Not only are students working to become teachers, welders, scientists and lawyers but they are also working and supporting the state and communities they call home.

Our students, along with taking numerous classes year-round, are also volunteering at organizations like Flagship after school program and the Missoula Food Bank and working as Wildland Firefighters in the summer. Some of our students serve the state and the nation in the National Guard and the Army Reserves —while also taking classes like statistics and ornithology. We also have students that have little ones of their own to look after. Being a parent is challenging and rewarding — doing this while in school is an honorable achievement.

Higher tuition not only affects students taking loans but those that work and save their money to pay for it as well. Non-traditional students such as veterans, parents, and those above the age of 25 who sometimes work to pay for school would have to work substantially more if the Six Mill does not pass. It’s difficult going back to school when life has got in the way, extending that time away will only make it more difficult.

Supporting education should not be a partisan issue, and in Montana, our elected leaders are proving that to be true. Both Sens. Tester and Daines and Rep. Gianforte support the Six Mill. They recognize the value of an education and understand we should all step up and stand in support.

This is no easy task and Montanans have the opportunity to cast their vote in favor of education. John Adams once said this about education: “The whole people must take upon themselves the education of the whole people and be willing to bear the expenses of it.”

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Alex Butler

President, Associated Students of the University of Montana