Letter to the Editor - Without 6-Mill Levy, I couldn't go to college

To the Editor,

Be it Flathead County or Gallatin Country, I have lived in this beautiful state for my entire life. Montana is my home.

As a third-year student at Montana State University pursuing a degree in economics with an emphasis in community health, I reflect back to five years ago when I was 16 years old and my father unexpectedly lost his business. This was my family’s main source of livelihood and in the midst of financial strife, my parents broke the news that if I wanted to attend college, I would need to find a way on my own.

Without affordable in-state tuition and scholarship opportunities, I would have never had the means to afford higher education on my own. My education has empowered me, elevated me and made my future aspirations much clearer. I seek to use economics and public health practices as tools to improve community health in historically underserved Montana communities.

As a result of my stories and others like it, I hope you’ll join me in voting yes on the 6-Mill Levy in November. The 6-Mill Levy is not a new tax, but having it pass again in this 10-year cycle would ensure that other students like myself have a chance at affording higher education and accessing their full potential and passion.

Micah McFeely

Montana State University student