OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
‘STATE OF MONTANA
Gree Guanronre
Governor
rusten Jures
1. GOVERNOR
August 10, 2023
‘The Honorable Miguel Cardona
Secretary
US. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202
Dear Secretary Cardona:
Montanans ate rightly concered with the U.S Department of Education's recent interpretation of,
‘Section 13401 ofthe Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) to prevent schools from
utilizing federal education funding to support archery and firearm training courses, including for
hunter education.
‘Hunting and shooting sports are deeply rooted traditions in Montana, and training isan important
‘component of developing safe, responsible, and ethical hunters, shooters, and bowhunters. For
that reason, our public schools have long worked with Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks (FWP)
specialists to train young Montanans in the proper handling of firearms and archery equipment.
In partnership with FWP, more than 200 elementary and secondary schools across the state,
including many in our rural and tribal communities, are eligible o provide archery programs as
part oftheir curriculum and offer elective hunter education classes. These hands-on safety and
skills training programs not only provide young Montanans the confidence to safely enjoy our
‘outdoor traditions, but also make our communities safer.
‘This week, the Department defended its interpretation ofthe law jeopardizing these taining
programs, offering to “provide technical assistance on legislative language to address ths issue.”
‘This is wholly insufficient, bureaucratic response. urge the Department to act without delay to
reverse its decision and issue new guidance to protect archery and hunter education programs in
Montana schools.
Stare Carr, + P.O, Box 200801 + Heuz, Mesa S9600-0801
‘Teunvione: 4O6-4443111 » Fat: 406-485-6529 + Wensris WN? MT-COVSecretary Cardona
‘agus 10,2023
Page?
Ifthe Biden administration is unwilling to reverse course, urge Congress to further clarify the
[BSCA to protect young Montanans’ access to hunter education programs,
Tharp
Greg Gianforte
Governor
Ce: Senator Steve Daines
‘Senator Jon Tester
‘Congressman Ryan Zinke
‘Congressman Matt Rosendale