Bob McDonnell's attacks on our public schools

September 4, 2012

The Richmond Times Dispatch reports that despite Gov. McDonnell recently stating "there's probably no bigger issue than K-12 education," he also " has a robust agenda for the next General Assembly session, which will focus on public education reforms and transportation, including another attempt to shift some state sales tax proceeds to shore up the road maintenance fund. That proposal met resistance this year."

Progressive Point: We don't invest less in the things we value, and Virginians value our children. This week, as we send our students back to school, Governor McDonnell is following up his school privatization scheme with plans to again try to raid school funds to pay for roads.

Public schools are an investment in an educated workforce and a stronger economy, but McDonnell's voucher bills and privatization schemes sacrifice kids for corporate profits. Cutting public school budgets means more overcrowding, fewer quality teachers, and an atmosphere that doesn't prepare students to learn. After privatizing schools for corporate gain and sending education dollars elsewhere, there's little left for students.

Get the Facts:

• Since 2008, Virginia has cut per student funding by 10%, or $592 per pupil. (Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, Sept. 4, 2012)


• McDonnell's transportation proposals would result in "decades of austerity for public education, universities, safety net programs and state troopers," and, even if enacted, would not meet Virginia's road maintenance needs. Previous failures to meet maintenance costs have resulted in $2.8 billion in construction budget shortfalls since 2005. (Roanoke Times, December 12, 2011)


• The conservative voucher bill, put forward by Del. Massie earlier this year, is taken verbatim from model language written by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). ALEC is a corporate bill factory that writes legislation designed to increase corporate bottom lines. Charitable contributions are already tax-deductible. ALEC's proposal is clearly about helping corporations pay fewer taxes--not helping Virginia children get a better education. (ProgressVA)

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