Bob Kerrey on Education

Summary

Criticism for the Bush Plan

In 1993, Senator Kerrey was critical of actions taken by the Bush administration in a speech on the Senate floor. He stated that the President's rigidness on what reform should include that he was preventing other reform from taking place. He was critical of voucher programs and national tests and curriculum standards. He also noted that education could not be addressed without also addressing health care, law enforcement, housing, economic opportunity, educational achievement of parents, community facilities such as libraries and art galleries, environmental issues such as lead standards, telecommunications, and others.

Neighborhood School Improvement Act

In 1993, Senator Kelley supported the Neighborhood School Improvement Act and stated that the federal government should be capable of providing more assistance to schools that are reforming. He supported the overall idea of national standards, but was critical of national testing such as SATs. Overall, the Senator supported the program and the top-down reform it could spark, but agreed that it was overly bureacratic while outlining the worthy goals of helping disadvantaged Americans, ended up micromanaging the reform process at the local level.

Ed-Flex

In 2000, Senator Kerrey supported the Ed-Flex program, which granted waivers of certain Federal requirements to local school districts if such a waiver will help that school district better meet the needs of its students. In exchange for this flexibility, the local school district must show results. He also stated that the Federal government can't do it all and should not do it all, but it should be a helpful partner in the effort to improve our nation's schools.

 

The Bush Education Record

On July 22, 1992 Senator Kerrey spoke on the Senate floor about a recent article on the Bush Education record.

 

Neighborhood School Improvements Act

On October 2, 1992 Senator Kerrey spoke on the Senate floor about the Neighborhood School Improvements Act.

 

EdFlex Act of 1999

On March 3, 1999 Senator Kerrey spoke on the Senate floor in suppor of the Education Flexibility Act of 1999.

 

Voting Record

Affordable Education Act of 2000

The Affordable Education Act of 2000 was voted on in early 2000. Among other things, the bill would have allowed tax-free savings accounts of up to $2000 per child annually to be used for public or private school tuition or other education expenses. The bill passed the Senate in a 61-37 vote. Robert Kerrey voted in favor of the Affordable Education Act of 2000.

Rules Waiver

In 1999, the Senate voted on an amendment to the Education Flexibility Partnership Act of 1999 which would have allowed states to waive certain federal rules normally required in order to use federal school aid. A vote in favor of the amendment would have signified support for vouchers and school choice. Every Democrat that voted opposed the amendment, and every Republican that voted supported the amendment. Robert Kerrey voted against the amendment and opposed school choice.

Education Savings and School Excellence Act of 1998

This 1998 legislation would have allowed people to take money from their IRAs to pay for qualified elementary and secondary education expenses, including home schooling expenses. It increased the annual contribution limit from $500 to $2,000. It permits corporations to contribute to education IRAs. Although the bill passed in the Senate easily, it was vetoed by the President. Robert Kerrey voted against the Education Savings and School Excellence Act of 1998.

Education Savings Act and School Excellence Act of 1998

In 1998, the Education Savings Act for Public and Private Schools Education Savings and School Excellence Act of 1998 attempted to create tax-sheltered educational savings accounts. Although the bill got a majority of the votes, it did not get the numbers needed and failed to pass with the support of most Republicans, but the opposition of most Democrats. Robert Kerrey voted against the Education Savings Act and School Excellence Act of 1998.

Amendment - Vouchers in DC

In 1999, the Senate voted on an amendment to the DC appropriations bill that would have installed a voucher system to allow students to choose to attend a private school, or any school other than their assigned public school. The measure failed to get the votes it needed with most Republicans supporting it and most Democrats voting in opposition to it. Robert Kerrey voted against the DC voucher system.

 

Sponsored and Cosponsored Legislation

Session-106; Bill Number-S 136; A bill to provide for teacher excellence and classroom help. - Cosponsor

Legislation containing three titles, including challenging states to ensure that every child Is taught by a qualified teacher, improving teacher preparation, and improving teacher technology training teacher excellence and classroom help act.

Session-106; Bill Number-S 1487; Excellence in Economic Education Act of 1999 - Cosponsor

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish a program for excellence in economic education under title X (Programs of National Significance).

Session-106; Bill Number-S 505; Gifted and Talented Students Education Act of 1999 - Cosponsor

Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to States for use by public schools to develop or expand gifted and talented education programs through one or more of the following activities: (1) professional development programs; (2) technical assistance; (3) direct services and materials for gifted and talented students, through revised curricula, acceleration, independent study, dual enrollment or other strategies; (4) innovative approaches and curricula; and (5) emerging technologies, including distance learning.

Session-105; Bill Number-S 1380; Charter School Expansion Act of 1998 - Cosponsor

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to authorize a State educational agency (SEA) to use funds for planning, designing, and initial implementation of public charter schools.

User Comments