News & Updates

School Choice is a common sense approach that gives parents the power and freedom to choose the type of education that best fits their child, regardless of their home address or income level. It gets rid of the “one size fits all” model and allows parents to send their child to a public school, public charter school, private school, or even an online school — whatever works best for their family. The concept works well in 42 other states, unfortunately Montana is one of eight remaining states without school choice, but that’s about to change.   Give Today!

Some argue that spending more money on schools will decrease the dropout rate, but there has never been a single study to show that’s true. The state already spends roughly $11,000 per student per year as compared to the average private school tuition of $5,500. That’s nearly a quarter of a million dollars per classroom. In Montana, teacher salaries average $45,000 per year, so where does all that money go? On a national level, the U.S. spends more than any country in the world per student (except Switzerland), yet we continue to fall behind other countries in academic performance. Clearly, more money is not the answer.

The concept of School Choice is simple. Parents know what type of education is best for their kids, so let them choose. Today, many states have school choice programs that allow parents to choose from public and private school options. Everything from Public Charter Schools, to Education Savings Accounts, to Tax Credit Scholarships and Special Needs Scholarships, all designed to open up a wide array of options and reduce the burden on taxpayers. It’s the consummate win-win.

As every parent knows, each child is different. In education, one size does not fit all. When parents have the ability to leave if a school is not working for their child, all schools perform to a higher standard.
Opponents argue that school choice will destroy public schools; however, in states that have adopted school choice programs, public schools have been motivated to improve academic performance. Opponents also argue that School Choice robs public schools of the best kids; in reality, if children are doing well in a public school, they have no reason to leave. The truth is, in the states that have School Choice, it’s the parents of kids in danger of dropping out that take advantage of the options offered.

Last year, for the first time in Montana history, we moved a School Choice bill all the way through the legislature and placed it on Governor Bullock’s desk.  He vetoed it, but with your help we will continue the effort to bring School Choice to Montana!

Our Mission is to strengthen Montana families, and we understand that marriage, life, religious freedom and education are top priorities.  We are your voice as we work to affect public policy from a Judeo-Christian perspective, and we need your help.

2014 promises to be another busy year. We’re already involved in two court battles, it’s an election year, and two more cities are considering ordinances that will force Christians to hire homosexuals and transvestites. In other states, Christians are facing jail time for refusing to provide services for homosexual weddings. We can’t allow that to happen here.

Jeff Laszloffy, President/CEO

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“You must be willing to compromise your religious beliefs, but it’s a small price to pay for the privilege of living in America”. – New Mexico Supreme Court, August 22, 2013

Christians in other states are routinely persecuted for their view on marriage, but not in Montana.  The question is…why not?   It all goes back to the wording in our State’s Human Rights Act, and the fact  that unlike other states, ours does not label sexual orientation as a protected class.

It all goes back to the wording in our State’s Human Rights Act, and the fact  that unlike other states, ours does not label sexual orientation as a protected class.

For 10 years the other side has fought to get that language included and for 10 years , with your help, we’ve successfully held them back.  So why is this so important?  Let’s consider 3 cases from states who have included sexual orientation as a protected class.

• In New Mexico, Christian photographer Elane Huguenin was asked to photograph a lesbian commitment ceremony.  She refused, citing her belief that marriage is reserved for 1 man and 1 woman.  She faces heavy civil penalties as a result.
• In Oregon, Sweet Cakes by Melissa closed shop after receiving death threats and being harassed by gay activists and are ultimately being investigated by Oregon Human Rights Commission for denying to bake a cake for a gay wedding.  Not only was Sweet Cakes by Melissa threatened, but everyone who did business with them as well.
• In Colorado, the owner of Masterpiece Cake Shop faces jail time for refusing to bake a cake for a gay wedding.

Give Today!These cases are just the tip of the iceberg.  This is going on across the U.S. and will occur in Montana as well if we lose the battle to keep this language out of the Montana Human Rights Law. We work diligently behind the scenes but the work that we do is extremely important.  Whether it’s religious freedom, life, marriage and family, or education reform, an investment in the Montana Family Foundation is an investment in our children’s and grandchildren’s future.

As you consider where to place your resources at the end of the year, won’t you please consider partnering with the Montana Family Foundation? We need to raise $37,000 by the end of December to stay on budget.

Over the past decade, with your help we’ve:

1. Passed the marriage amendment
2. Stopped abortions from being performed on minors without their parents’ consent
3. Stopped churches from being taxed
4. Stopped the state from telling pastors what they could and could not preach.
5. Stopped sex education beginning in kindergarten from being taught in public schools in the state.

And the list goes on.  The other side isn’t backing down and we can’t afford to either.  With your help we’ll stay fully engaged, so that Montana remains the best place to live. From all of us at the Montana Family Foundation, we pray God’s blessing on you and your family, and wish you a very joy filled Christmas Season!

Warm Regards,

Jeff Laszloffy, President/CEO

P.S. with the ACLU attacking the Marriage Amendment and Planned Parenthood attacking the parental consent law, our involvement is more crucial than ever.  Your gift today of $25, $50, $100 or even $1000 will allow us to stay fully engaged.  Thank you again!      Partner With Us Financially Here