Monumental Investment in Early Childhood Signed Into Law
June 20, 2025, HELENA, MT – The “Growth and Opportunity Trust,” historic bipartisan legislation establishing the Montana Early Childhood Account (Montana House Bill 924) has been signed into law.
HB 924 creates a sustainable endowment with a $10 million initial investment and leveraging surplus revenues to make long-term, strategic investments in early childhood. It directs our state to coordinate across state agencies to increase efficiencies, expand access, and support data-driven decision-making through Montana’s early childhood strategic plan, while fostering public-private partnerships.
This unprecedented early childhood account is a fiscally responsible, forward-looking trust that supports working parents, strengthens our state’s workforce, and lays the foundation for a thriving Montana for generations to come.
“From the very beginning, I believed a Montana early childhood endowment was a chance to invest in what matters most – our children, our families, and our future workforce. This is a smart, sustainable, bipartisan solution to support parents, strengthen businesses, and help address Montana’s workforce challenges. I’m proud to have worked alongside families, providers, business leaders, and legislators on both sides of the aisle to bring this vision to life. Together, we’ve built something that will benefit Montana’s economy and our communities for generations to come.”
— Senator Laura Smith (District 41 – Helena)
Today, Montana businesses face workforce shortages intensified by the child care crisis. Only 44% of the statewide demand for care is being met, leaving families with limited options or pushing them out of the workforce altogether. In fact, 66,000 Montana families are not able to fully participate in the workforce due to a lack of access to quality child care.
The early childhood years are a pivotal time for brain development, early learning, and building positive relationships. When our early childhood system is responsive to the needs of families, we can ensure services and programs set the foundation for lifelong success.
“It’s been an incredible honor to work alongside parents, providers, business leaders, and policy makers to shape the Montana early childhood endowment. This is the result of strong partnership, across sectors and communities, with a shared vision for a stronger Montana. This isn’t just about early childhood; it’s about securing Montana’s future workforce and creating the conditions where families and businesses can thrive together. The entire team at Zero to Five Montana is thrilled to see this legislation move forward and continue to build the early childhood system that is adaptable and responsive to the changing needs of families across our state.”
— Caitlin Jensen, Executive Director, Zero to Five Montana
During the legislative process, the Montana Early Childhood Account had the support of parents, child care business owners, employers, economic development organizations, early childhood experts, and community-based providers while receiving strong bipartisan backing. We applaud Gov. Gianforte for valuing early childhood in Montana and recognizing the legacy this legislation will establish.
HB 924 will help Montana become the best place to live, work, raise a family, and grow a business now and for generations to come.
Additional Resources:
- HB 924 one-pager
- HB 924 sign on letter in support of Gov. Gianforte’s signing the bill into law included 226 signatures from Montana businesses, organizations, parents, community leaders, and caring Montanans. (Signatures were collected following the legislative session from April 30-May 2)
- Montana Legislative Fiscal Division summary of HB 924
- HB 924 bill text
