Terri Pickens on Education

No tax dollars to fund private or religious schools

A: This foolishness cuts into the budgets of public schools–as well as other vital public services. Most people do not want tax dollars to fund religious schools or elite private schools. Public schools need more help and they need to be helped in a way that lifts the burden from local taxpayers. We can stop the need for an annual circus of levy elections to fund public schools. I will work to develop a program to shift the burden back to the state--where the constitution says it should be. Our kids deserve new schools and up-to-date technology and classrooms. When I am governor, I intend to convince Idaho communities to help institute this policy. The wildly unpopular voucher scheme will be first on my chopping block.

Repeal the school voucher scheme

The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires equal protection under the laws, so when a state provides public education, it must provide equal access to a quality education to all citizens.
• Repealing the school voucher scheme
• Better funding for education in Idaho
• Higher teacher salaries to maintain high quality teachers
• Access to broadband for all schools and students
• Access to information based on science, truth, and history