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Jim Gilmore on Education
Senate challenger 2008; previously Republican Governor (VA)
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Begin an honest conversation about college costs
Q: What are your ideas to help the college students in America? A: We have to begin an honest conversation about costs and expenses at the college level. Like anything else, we have to know what a college
Then we can address the best way to fund cost. Most importantly, we need to get people more prosperous so they are not at the mercy of a loan program.
Source: Live Chat with Jim Gilmore on his campaign blog
Apr 26, 2007
College scholarships for every qualified needy student
I believe every high school graduate who wants the opportunity to earn a college education should be able to afford that opportunity. Two years ago, we provided our colleges and universities with an additional $75 million to cut tuition by 20% and
then freeze it at that level. We’re already seeing results. But we must work to make a college education even more affordable.- I propose beginning to meet 100% of the true financial need of every college student. This will ensure that even our
neediest students have the opportunity to earn a college degree.
- I propose a merit-based New Century Scholarship. Beginning with the graduating class of 2004, this program will provide a $3,000 scholarship to the top 20 students in each class and a
$500 scholarship to each student for an advanced score on an end-of-course test. New Century Scholarships will give the children of working parents-a part of our society that is too often forgotten-an incentive and opportunity to succeed.
Source: State of the Commonwealth Address to VA General Assembly
Jan 10, 2001
Expand Algebra Readiness Initiative; hire more teachers
Developing basic math skills is a core component of academic success. The Algebra Readiness Initiative is designed to ensure that every student is skilled in math by the end of ninth grade.
I propose expanding this initiative by hiring 100 new teachers to provide our students with more help in math. With these teachers, we will keep my promise to hire 4,000 new teachers before the end of this Administration.
Source: State of the Commonwealth Address to VA General Assembly
Jan 10, 2001
Raise teacher pay with local funds
The remarkable growth and success of the Virginia Retirement System has reduced contribution rates and created a windfall for local governments.
Over the next two years, school divisions will save nearly $100 million in payments to the System. This is extra money available at the local level. I encourage local governments to use this money to raise the pay of our teachers.
Source: State of the Commonwealth Address to VA General Assembly
Jan 10, 2001
More support for traditional African-American universities
Q: How do you plan to maintain the exemplary institutions of higher learning that Virginia has to offer?A: Higher education is a top priority for this administration. My 1st act as governor was to establish a blue-ribbon commission on higher education
Their task is to find ways to achieve quality, affordability, and accountability to the taxpayers who fund the universities. By the way, I believe the traditional African-American universities need a greater commitment of support, and I am doing that.
Source: Washington Post Q&A, "Campaign 2000"
Jul 31, 2000
Moment of silence does not infringe on students' rights
The Virginia Senate voted 28 to 11 to approve a bill that required teachers to hold up to a minute of silence. Part of the bill read: At the commencement of the first class of each day in all grades in all public schools,
the teacher in charge of the room in which such class is held shall announce that a period of silence, not to exceed one minute in duration, shall be observed for meditation, prayer or reflection;
during any such period of meditation, prayer or reflection, silence shall be maintained, and no other activities shall be performed.
The bill's sponsor, Sen. Warren Barry (R) said that it was an effort to reduce violence in schools. The governor, James Gilmore (R) said that the moment of silence would not infringe on students' rights.
Source: about.com, "Atheism: School Prayer", reported Jan. 2007
Feb 1, 2000
Calls for a voucher plan in Virginia schools
Virginia Gov. James Gilmore (R) has called for a voucher plan, though he has yet to offer specifics. Gilmore endorsed the concept during a radio address
May 21. "If we can put forward a voucher plan that is going to help education for kids generally, then it's something we ought to consider," Gilmore said. Gilmore's push could become an issue in Virginia's statewide elections this November.
Source: Church & State (mag. of Americans United for Separation)
Jul 31, 1999
Page last updated: Jul 13, 2008