Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., was honored Friday at an awards ceremony at Carroll College for his dogged determination to ensure that Montana youths have access to higher education.

Specifically, education officials lauded Baucus' recent success in convincing the Senate Finance Committee to include "529 college savings plans" in recently passed pension legislation, making the program permanent. The program was scheduled to expire in 2010.

The tax provision allows parents to put aside money every year, tax-free, for their children's education.

"I've got a soft spot for education," said Baucus, adding that he believes it was important to make "529 college savings plans" to provide a stable means for Montanans prepare for their future. "There's nothing like uncertainty to prevent planning."

Thousands of Montanans have benefited from the plans, according to Baucus. More than $130 million has been set aside by Montana residents for college through the Montana Family Education Savings Program -- the state's "529 plan."

Montana Commissioner of Higher Education Sheila Stearns presented Baucus with a plaque recognizing his efforts, and passed along her "heartfelt thanks."

Stearns explained that two of her three grandchildren have "529 college savings plans" in their names, and the third child will soon have one also.

"Families such as ours know how incredibly important it is to save for college," she said.

Jamie and Amber Dushin attended the ceremony with their son, Jaret. The Dushins recently began putting money in a "529 savings account" to benefit their son.

"We wanted to ensure our son will have access to higher education," said Jamie following the ceremony.

According to Baucus, he will continue to work on education funding on the federal level and says some exciting programs are being developed.

"The best way to ensure that Montana has a strong economic future is to give our children the tools and the resources they need to succeed," said Baucus. "Education is the key to more good-paying jobs and boosting our state's economy."