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Shannon O'Brien on Education
Former State Treasurer; Democratic Challenger MA Governor
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Training & resources for standards-based school environment
As Governor, I will hold the Department of Education accountable in its management of the public education system, work to make the distribution of "Chapter 70" education dollars fair for all school districts, include teachers in discussions over
MCAS testing, and renew the state's commitment to professional training for teachers, fight for smaller class size, and better integrate K-12 and higher education in the preparation of teachers for a standards-based teaching environment.
Source: Campaign web site, ShannonObrien.com, "Issues: Education"
Feb 16, 2002
Introduced U.Fund, tax-subsidized savings plan for college
In 1999, Treasurer O’Brien was happy to join with Governor Cellucci in introducing a new and exciting college investment program called the U. Fund, which allows Massachusetts’ families to save for their children’s college education by taking advantage
of changes in federal tax law. This fund, administered by the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) and managed by Fidelity Investments, is designed to meet the rising costs of higher education, such as tuition, room, board, and books at
any public or private university or college in the country. Currently, O’Brien is sponsoring legislation that would provide state tax relief on contributions to the U. Fund. The legislation would also exempt earnings from U. Fund investments from
state taxes, provided that the money is used for qualified educational expenses. These provisions would allow more of the money earned from the U. Fund investment to be used for its intended purpose - higher education - rather than paying it in taxes.
Source: Official State Treasury web site, state.ma.us/treasury/
Dec 9, 2001
Established U.Fund, tax incentive for college savings
[As Treasurer, O’Brien counts among her accomplishments]
working with the Administration to establish the U.Fund, a tax-advantaged college investment plan that is already helping thousands of Massachusetts families save for their children’s college education.
Source: Campaign web site, ShannonOBrien.com, “Biography”
Nov 24, 2001