| Bush - Gore Debate: Money | |
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During the campaign, both candidates have stated that they intended to "dramatically" change the American public education system while using only 6 percent of the federal budget to do it. Moderator Jim Lehrer asks Bush and Gore how they planned to accomplish that.
Compared to the tax cut battles, a virtual love-fest of agreement broke out.
GORE: I strongly support new accountability; so does Governor Bush. I strongly support local control; so does Governor Bush.
By "accountability," the candidates mean that schools getting federal money would be required through student testing to prove that their kids were learning the basics at acceptable rates. Basically, ensure that tax payers are getting their money's worth from public education.
On other education-related money matters, Gore proposed making up to $10,000 per year in college tuition tax deductible and criticized Bush for supporting school vouchers, which, Gore said, "take taxpayer money away from public schools and give them to private schools that are not accountable for how the money is used."
From Their Past Policy
Statements
Outside last night's debate, here are what the candidates have stated on
education:
Gore would: Take 10 percent of the surplus (about $115 billion) not set aside for Social Security or debt reduction to fund an education trust fund. Spend $170 billion over 10 years to ensure high student achievement standards. Oppose issuance of vouchers for private religious and home schools.
Bush would: Invest $300 million in a fund designed to provide $3 billion in loan guarantees to charter schools. Set aside $5 billion for the "Reading First" program. Add $2 billion for expanding after school programs.
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