Tax credits for college is just pandering; we're broke
Franken called for a $5,000 tax credit to help people pay for college.
"Why not a $10,000 tax credit? Why not $20,000?" asked Barkley. "Who's going to pay for this? We're broke. I'm not going to pander to people."
Franken responded that the money spent would be equal to just a few weeks of the Iraq war and could be financed by reducing tax breaks for millionaires.
Source: 2008 MN Senate Debate reported in Star Tribune
Oct 17, 2008
Parents choose schools via vouchers
Q: Do you support the statement, "Parents choose schools via vouchers"?
A: Support. I support vouchers for public schools, not private or religious based schools.
Source: Email interview on 2008 Senate race with OnTheIssues.org
Aug 13, 2008
No amendment for school prayer; don't legislate morality
Q: Do you support amending the United States Constitution to allow voluntary prayer and/or moment of silence in public schools?
A: No.
Q: What would you do about the decline of morals and ethics in America?
A:
Morality can never be legislated. It comes from a strong family with beliefs in a higher power and strong spiritual beliefs. They will not be learned from Washington D.C.. It is the job of parents to teach these values to their children.
Source: Congressional 1996 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
Supports charter schools & vouchers for public schools
Barkley supports the following principles regarding education.
Maintain the national standards and goals set forth in "Goals 2000".
Provide parents with vouchers to send their children to any publicly funded school.
Implement charter schools where teachers and professionals receive authorization and funding to establish new schools.
Source: Congressional 1996 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
