A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING THE EDUCATION INTERIM COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE ADMINISTRATION AND FUNDING OF THE MONTANA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM; AND REQUIRING A REPORT TO THE 57TH LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, an educated society is essential for a prosperous and cultured country; and

WHEREAS, currently, funding for higher education in Montana emphasizes institutions over students; and

WHEREAS, tuition and fees for residents enrolled in the Montana University System have risen 100% in the last 10 years; and

WHEREAS, the loan debt for Montana students has also risen 100%; and

WHEREAS, Montana taxpayers deserve the most efficient use of their tax dollars; and

WHEREAS, local communities should have the ability to provide the support to their institutions of higher education that they consider appropriate.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Education Interim Committee be requested to study the administration and the funding of the Montana University System, including but not limited to:

(1) evaluating the effectiveness of the current system of providing lump-sum funding to the Montana University System;

(2) identifying alternative funding systems, such as delivering funding in the form of student scholarships;

(3) identifying funding systems for higher education in other states and comparing them to the Montana system; and

(4) exploring practical methods of providing greater participation in policymaking and control of expenditures by communities in which higher education institutions are located.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study be conducted in consultation with representatives from all segments of the Montana University System.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Committee report its findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the 57th Legislature.

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I hereby certify that the within joint resolution,

SJ 0016, originated in the Senate.

Secretary of the Senate

President of the Senate

Signed this	day

of	, .

Speaker of the House

Signed this	day

of	, .

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 16

INTRODUCED BY K. MILLER, P. BERGSAGEL, M. COLE, W. CRISMORE, D. HAINES, B. KEENAN, M. MCCANN, P. SLITER, M. TAYLOR, F. THOMAS, D. TOEWS

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING THE EDUCATION INTERIM COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE ADMINISTRATION AND FUNDING OF THE MONTANA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM; AND REQUIRING A REPORT TO THE 57TH LEGISLATURE.