State of Minnesota secondary Archives: on Education

Tim Walz: Student Non-Discrimination Act: address anti-gay bullying

I strongly support the prevention of bullying and the work many organizations do to eliminate it. I have supported legislation such as H.R. 1652, the Student Non-Discrimination Act, which would prevent any school program that receives federal funding from discriminating against students based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation. I am a co-sponsor of this legislation because I feel every student deserves to learn in a safe environment.

Heather Johnson: Right to education includes school choice

A: Yes--A right to education should include the type of education one wants for themselves and their children. Better yet, I support community driven education with parents and teachers developing curriculum.

Kurt Bills: Eliminate the Education Department to reduce budget deficit

Bills backs the Platform to Revitalize America, a budget proposal by fellow Republican Sen. Rand Paul. The plan also would eliminate the federal Education, Energy, Commerce and Housing and Urban Development departments.

Bills said that the federal Education Department has made no improvements he has seen in his 16 years as a high school teacher & he would abolish it. However, he said he realizes the department probably would survive negotiations, which he could accept.

The department is bloated, he said, including operating more than 200 programs encouraging students to get involved in science, technology, engineering and math education. He blamed the large number of programs on federal lawmakers, each of whom wants to look like he supports education.

Chris Coleman: Close opportunity gap between "haves" & "have-nots"

The years before a child enters school are critical to the success of that child, and to the community in which she lives. Students spend 20 percent of their waking moments in school. The other time can be spent anywhere doing anything--like in quality programs at safe neighborhood places with engaging staff.

Al Franken: $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.

Dean Barkley: Tax credits for college is just pandering; we’re broke

“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.