Mike Johanns on Education Secretary of Agriculture; previously Republican NE Governor

Opposes “No Child Left Behind”--leave it to states

$27M for state colleges’ recruitment & diversity

The investment I propose for the University and the State Colleges is aggressive. My budget provides an increase of over $26.6 million additional dollars in the first year of the budget with another $29.4 million added in the second year of the budget. At the same time, I challenge higher education in Nebraska, including the University, State Colleges, and Community Colleges, in three key areas:
1. to encourage and actively recruit every Nebraska high school graduate to stay in Nebraska for his or her college education;
2. to promote diversity among students and staff in higher education by actively recruiting students not only from across the United States but from around the world; and
3. to promote collaboration, cooperation, and innovative partnerships which will ensure unparalleled educational opportunities for our students.

More teacher bonuses and incentives, locally decided

I [support] the Attracting Excellence to Teaching Program [which] will provide loans to teacher education students who agree to teach in Nebraska public or private schools. [And I support] The Master Teacher Program will provide an annual financial incentive for public and private school teachers who achieve rigorous national certification. However, the one-size fits all across-the-board bonus plan suggested by the Teacher Salary Task Force is not a workable solution. I suggest these guiding parameters for discussion:
• One size fits all is not the solution
• Any solution must respect local decision-making
• Cooperation must exist between local and state government
• Equalization between districts is an important goal that should not be abandoned
• The solution must fit within our current resources - I will not support a tax increase
• Where possible, within constitutional parameters, private school teachers should be able to participate in any state level programs.

Don't count combat pay against free school lunch.

A bill to amend the National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require the exclusion of combat pay from income for purposes of determining eligibility for child nutrition programs and the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children.