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Townhall...
Dems’ Cheap Stunt
Blocks School Choice in Idaho
By Kyle Olson
If for no other reason, you have to admire the tenacity of some
legislative leaders to look out for the interests of their teacher
union sponsors.
The Idaho House of Representatives was debating a bill that would
eliminate the cap on the number of charter schools allowed in the state
when the minority leader, Democrat John Rusche, accused proponents of
an ethical violation. Of what, you ask? They were reportedly wearing
free yellow scarves with the National School Choice Week logo and this,
in his mind, constituted a gift related to a bill being debated.
His complaint ultimately led to the tabling of the bill, which was
originally expected to pass the Republican-majority House. With only
days remaining in the legislative session, Rusche likely succeeded in
killing the initiative.
What an incredibly cheap stunt to block the expansion of school choice
for hundreds if not thousands of kids in Idaho.
Rusche has been endorsed and financially supported by the Idaho
Education Association. Its parent, the National Education Association,
is a leading critic of school choice and charter schools.
Perhaps if school choice proponents were throwing around thousand
dollar campaign checks instead of free yellow scarves, they would have
an easier time in the legislature. Maybe Rusche was insulted with the
cheap scarf.
In a news account, Rusche was quoted as saying the scarves were
“influencing” legislators’ votes. If that’s the case, that says more
about the lack of principles held by legislators than the types of
“gifts” being doled out.
Regardless, Rusche owes school choice advocates, and the children
wishing to attend charter schools, an apology, and should make every
effort to correct his stunt.
Read it with links at Townhall
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