"The federal government does not own our children. Yet we act as if it does by letting it decide when, how and what our children will learn. We have turned their futures over to lobbyists and bureaucrats.
"I support giving educational control back to parents, who know their children better than any politician in D.C. ever will."
» Source: Ronpaul2008.com
Rep. Ron Paul of Texas would eliminate the Department of Education. He says it's unconstitutional for the federal government to fund or control schools. Local taxes can fund schools instead of federal subsidies.
He supports efforts to make education more affordable and believes in the right of parents to home school their children.
Paul introduced H.R. 1056, the Family Education Freedom Act, which would provide an annual tax credit of up to $5,000 (adjustable for inflation after 2007) per student for tuition at any elementary or secondary school, including private, parochial, religious or home schools.
The congressman sponsored H.R. 1059, which would grant full-time elementary and secondary school teachers a $3,000 annual tax credit.
He also introduced H.R. 193, the Make College Affordable Act, which would establish a full tax deduction for undergraduate college tuition, sensible living expenses and interest on qualified student loans.
Paul pledges equal access to scholarships for home schooled students.
He says he will oppose legislation setting national standards or testing for home schooled students and parents. He will promote "a culture of educational freedom" in the nation.
* Rep. Paul's voting record on education issues:
Voted
Topic
Date
NO
Allowing Courts to decide on "God" in Pledge of Allegiance.
July 2006
NO
$84 million in grants for Black and Hispanic colleges.
March 2006
NO
Allowing school prayer during the war on terror.
Nov. 2001
NO
Requiring states to test students.
May 2001
NO
Allowing vouchers in D.C. schools.
Aug. 1998
YES
Vouchers for private and parochial schools.
Nov. 1997
Rated 67 percent by the National Education Association, indicating a mixed record on public education.
Dec. 2003
Sponsored a resolution for a School Prayer Amendment.
May 1997
Source: On the Issues
*Members of Congress sometimes vote on different versions of a bill. Voting yes or no on one doesn't mean they'll vote the same way on succeeding versions.
"The federal government does not own our children. Yet we act as if it does by letting it decide when, how and what our children will learn. We have turned their futures over to lobbyists and bureaucrats.
