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Cruz Bustamante on Education

Democratic Lt. Governor; former Candidate for CA Governor


Tuition must be kept low for every single student

The future of California is really in investing in our education. We're closing down community colleges-123,000 students are not going to be going to community college this year. Everything we have done in California has been based on research. Unfortunately, those of us who have been working diligently to try to make sure that we keep tuition low and allow access to every single student, we know that our future is not just a slogan. It's not just something to put on a campaign brochure.
Source: Recall Debate, Cal. State Univ. at Sacramento Sep 24, 2003

Focus on providing textbooks instead of high school testing

Q: Your comments on high school exit exams.

BUSTAMANTE: The teachers of this state know how to teach. What we need to do is get out of their way. The magic of education takes praise in the classroom. This multi-billion dollar enterprise we call education ought to be more about what goes in the classroom and less about what takes place outside.

I take that to mean that you do not advocate the testing?

BUSTAMANTE: I think it is important that we have testing. But I also think that the teachers need to have a lot more say as to what goes on in the classrooms. The magic of education, again, is about a motivated teacher and a motivated student with proper textbooks and instructional materials and less about the complications that we put. Everyone has such a great idea. Everyone has been having great ideas over the last several years. The kids in the schoolrooms today do not have proper textbooks.

Source: Recall debate in Walnut Creek Sep 3, 2003

Don't balance the budget on the backs of college students

The Budget problems of this state are real. But the budget cannot and will not be balanced on the backs of students. Access to an affordable college education cannot be jeopardized. Cutting education is short sighted and risks our future.
Source: Community College Rally Mar 17, 2003

Stop the increase in community college tuition

Community colleges are invaluable. They provide the first step toward higher education, providing affordable skills training. boosting thousands into better jobs and into higher salaries.

A 120% proposed increase that MORE THAN DOUBLES community colleg fees.raises student fees out of reach and slams the door on over 140,000 community college students who cannot absorb the rate increase. It's unacceptable. Don't shut the door. Keep the doors open.

Source: Community College Rally Mar 17, 2003

Other governors on Education: Cruz Bustamante on other issues:
AK Frank Murkowski
AL Bob Riley
AR Mike Huckabee
AZ Janet Napolitano
CA Arnold Schwarzenegger
CO Bill Owens
CT Jodi Rell
DE Ruth Ann Minner
FL Jeb Bush
GA Sonny Perdue
HI Linda Lingle
IA Tom Vilsack
ID Dirk Kempthorne
IL Rod Blagojevich
IN Mitch Daniels
KS Kathleen Sebelius
KY Ernie Fletcher
LA Kathleen Blanco
MA Mitt Romney
MD Bob Ehrlich
ME John Baldacci
MI Jennifer Granholm
MN Tim Pawlenty
MO Matt Blunt
MS Haley Barbour
MT Brian Schweitzer
NC Mike Easley
ND John Hoeven
NE Dave Heineman
NH John Lynch
NJ Jon Corzine
NM Bill Richardson
NV Kenny Guinn
NY George Pataki
OH Bob Taft
OK Brad Henry
OR Ted Kulongoski
PA Ed Rendell
RI Don Carcieri
SC Mark Sanford
SD Mike Rounds
TN Phil Bredesen
TX Rick Perry
UT Jon Huntsman
VA Tim Kaine
VT Jim Douglas
WA Christine Gregoire
WI Jim Doyle
WV Joe Manchin III
WY Dave Freudenthal
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