State of Virginia Archives: on Education
Bob McDonnell:
Zero tolerance policy for failing schools
Zero tolerance policy for failing schools
Even in a state like ours with a very good public education system, some students are trapped in underperforming and unaccredited schools. This must end! We now equip low performing schools with turnaround specialists and additional resources from the
Zero tolerance policy for failing schools
Institution to provide a high quality education alternative for children attending any chronically underperforming public elementary or secondary school. The Opportunity Educational Institution will be a new statewide school division to turnaround
Source: 2013 Virginia State of the State address
Jan 9, 2013
Bob McDonnell:
Top Jobs for the 21st Century: STEM-H degrees
Top Jobs for the 21st Century: STEM-H degrees
Our 2011 landmark "Top Jobs for the 21st Century" higher education reform legislation has made the college dream more affordable and accessible. Our bold statutory goal of 100,000 new degrees over the next 15 years, with a focus on
Top Jobs for the 21st Century: STEM-H degrees
4%, after a decade of double digit increases. More diplomas mean more jobs!We have increased the percentage of K-12 funding going into the classroom from 62% to 64%. Graduation rates are up.
Source: 2013 Virginia State of the State address
Jan 9, 2013
Don Beyer:
Department of Education makes colleges stronger
I oppose the Tea Party Republican plan to eliminate the Department of Education, and I'll work to make our Northern Virginia Community Colleges and our local universities stronger.
It's a fact that businesses create jobs in areas where education is a priority, and that's so important to Northern Virginia.
Source: 2014 Virginia House campaign website, FriendsOfDonBeyer.com
Oct 10, 2014
Ed Gillespie:
We spend $12 on safe sex ed for every $1 on abstinence
During the Bush years, Gillespie supported the White House's abstinence-only approach to sexual education. Complaining that "government spends $12 on safe sex and contraceptives for every $1 spent on abstinence," he said that
Bush was "working to see that they not only reauthorize abstinence programs, but that more funding be made available for these very necessary programs."
Source: ThinkProgress.org on 2014 Virginia Senate race
Jan 16, 2014
George Allen:
Lower student loan rates; freeze tuition rates
George Allen's campaign says that the former senator supports extending lower interest rates for student loans. The campaign also said that Allen supports the federal government playing a part in student loans.
Student loans have quickly become a hot button issue for candidates nationally and here in the Commonwealth. At Saturday's Republican Senate Debate in Roanoke candidates Bob Marshall, E.W. Jackson, and
Jamie Radtke all came out forcefully saying the federal government should be out of the student loan business. "When you have the federal government giving loans it does artificially inflate prices and tuitions for schools,"
Radtke said.
George Allen was quiet on the issue saying only he wants to freeze tuition costs and make college more affordable.
Source: WSLS-10 Roanaoke on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
May 5, 2012
Glenn Youngkin:
Ban critical race theory from being taught in Virginia
Youngkin went on to talk about his plans for Virginia schools, including banning critical race theory from being taught to Virginia students. Critical race theory is an idea that originated in academic circles the
1970s that examines how governmental policies and laws preserve systemic racism. Republican lawmakers in nearly a dozen states have introduced legislation to ban critical race theory in public schools.
Source: Prince William Times on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial race
May 25, 2021
Jamie Radtke:
Feds should not be in the student loan business
George Allen's campaign says that the former senator supports extending lower interest rates for student loans. The campaign also said that Allen supports the federal government playing a part in student loans.
Student loans have quickly become a hot button issue for candidates nationally and here in the Commonwealth. At Saturday's Republican Senate Debate in Roanoke candidates Bob Marshall, E.W. Jackson, and
Jamie Radtke all came out forcefully saying the federal government should be out of the student loan business. "When you have the federal government giving loans it does artificially inflate prices and tuitions for schools,"
Radtke said.
George Allen was quiet on the issue saying only he wants to freeze tuition costs and make college more affordable.
Source: WSLS-10 Roanaoke on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
May 5, 2012
Jamie Radtke:
Would vote against No Child Left Behind as too expensive
Tea Party activist Jamie Radtke hit the former one-term senator for voting to add an expensive prescription drug program to Medicare and backing No Child Left Behind, two initiatives sought by Republican
President George W. Bush. "Tim Kaine will not run to the right of me on spending," Radtke said, subtly criticizing the budgets Allen voted for during his previous Senate term.
For the most part, the four candidates found common ground on a number of issues, including their shared desire to shift more of the responsibility for education to the states.
Kaine's campaign responded to the repeated criticism following the
debate. "Virginia voters heard the Tea Party contenders push reckless economic policies that would damage Virginia's economy, create more uncertainty for our businesses, and make our nation less globally competitive," a Kaine spokeswoman said.
Source: Washington Examiner on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
May 25, 2012
Ken Cuccinelli:
Teach intelligent design in schools
Question topic: Because evolution is widely accepted, students should not be taught about intelligent design.
Cuccinelli: Disagree.
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2013 Virginia Governor campaign
Jul 2, 2014
Ken Cuccinelli:
Free market competition for education dollars
Question topic: Free market competition for education dollars, rather than a government monopoly, would create a better education for all students.Cuccinelli: Strongly Agree.
Question topic: Who has the primary responsibility to be sure children are properly educated?
Cuccinelli: Parents.
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2013 Virginia Governor campaign
Jul 2, 2014
Mark Warner:
Involve whole communities in schools
Schools have the special responsibility of equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed. But schools cannot do it alone. Whole communities must be involved, from the groups that run after school activities to the businesses that understand
the skills that today's employers demand. [I support] Communities in Schools, Inc., a nationwide initiative that connects schools with community resources to help people learn, stay in school and prepare for life.
Source: MarkWarner2001.org, "Bringing Virginia Together"
Jan 8, 2001
Ralph Northam:
More tuition assistance; protect consumers on student loans
We need to work even harder to make postsecondary education more affordable and accessible to all students. We're working with the Virginia Community College System to reframe their programming, so that students can get the skills they need on the
front end for 21st century jobs. Our training certificate programs and our higher education system need to work hand in hand. And they need to be affordable.
Expensive tuition and high student debt can close the door to opportunity for too many people.
My budget would offer more tuition assistance, and requires our institutions to create tuition predictability plans.
It is high time we began regulating the companies that service our student loans. While people may not be able to avoid taking on debt to get an education, they should be able to count on basic consumer protections.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Virginia legislature
Jan 9, 2019
Ralph Northam:
Borrower's Bill of Rights to manage student debt
Yesterday, Governor-elect Northam and I stood together and outlined several pieces of legislation that we hope the new General Assembly will pass this year. They include:- Giving Virginians the tools to manage student debt and hold predatory
lenders accountable by passing a Borrower's Bill of Rights and creating a state ombudsman for student debt.
- Building on the executive actions my administration is pursuing to cut carbon and create clean energy jobs by becoming the first Southern
State to formally join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
- Closing a loophole in our ethics laws by prohibiting the personal use of campaign funds.
- Reducing obstacles to voting by doing away with barriers to absentee voting.
None of these
items are inherently political. They are proposed solutions to real policy problems. It could well be the case that there are better ideas to solve these problems & make life better for Virginians. Those are the questions we were all elected to consider.
Source: Terry McAuliffe's 2018 Virginia State of the State address
Jan 10, 2018
Ralph Northam:
Pay raise for teachers, to retain the best and brightest
I am eager to work with you to give our teachers the largest single-year pay raise in 15 years. This isn't just about the educators who deserve to be paid more. It's about improving the education we offer our children by ensuring that we
can attract and retain the best and brightest educators to classrooms in every corner of our Commonwealth. Raising teacher pay is only part of the puzzle when it comes to making sure that every Virginia student is able to reach their full potential.
Schools, educational leaders, and parents across the Commonwealth have been clear that students need a variety of services to succeed in the classroom.
That's why I've proposed to fund more positions for
school counselors statewide, and additional flexible funding so that school divisions can make their own decisions about which services will most benefit their students.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Virginia legislature
Jan 9, 2019
Robert Sarvis:
Bad schools persist because politicians are in charge
Education is fundamental to Virginia's prosperity. Top-rate schools attract businesses and prepare our children for success. Unfortunately, our antiquated, top-down school system is increasingly misaligned with the future challenges young
Virginians will face. Too many students graduate high school without life and job skills needed to succeed. Many others don't graduate at all.Why does the status quo continue?
Because politicians and bureaucrats are in charge, not parents and teachers. To prepare our children for the real world, we need to adopt a modern approach that is proven to work and built to last. This means two things:
- Parents, not politicians
or bureaucrats, should be in charge of the education dollars spent on their children.
- Teachers need to be liberated from the politicized, bureaucratic status quo and rewarded for the educational value--student learning--they create.
Source: Virginia Governor 2013 campaign website, robertsarvis.com
Sep 21, 2013
Robert Sarvis:
Supports vouchers, tax credit, charters, & parental triggers
I propose fostering, in every aspect of education policy, an open and competitive market for education services.- Maximizing school choice through:
- A universal system of school vouchers and/or tax credits
- Expansion of charter schools,
including "parental triggers."
- Instituting real, apolitical public-school reforms:
- Focus on actual learning of real-world life skills and job skills
- Reward quality instruction, not credentials and seniority
- Pursue teacher-driven solutions,
not politician-driven spending fads.
- Overhauling state oversight of public education, including reform of:
- Licensing/certification rules
- Accreditation requirements
- State mandates
- Local and state school-board powers.
- Ensuring the
independence of private & home schools from government red tape:
- Avoid letting the government do to private and home schools what it has done to public schools.
- Keep special interests from cartelizing the private education-services industry.
Source: Virginia Governor 2013 campaign website, robertsarvis.com
Sep 21, 2013
Robert Sarvis:
Free market competition for education dollars
Question topic: Free market competition for education dollars, rather than a government monopoly, would create a better education for all students.Sarvis: Strongly Agree.
Question topic: Who has the primary responsibility to be sure children are properly educated?
Sarvis: Their parents.
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2013 Virginia Governor campaign
Jul 2, 2014
Terry McAuliffe:
Don't wait until kindergarten to prepare for success
We cannot forget that our economic future runs through public school classrooms across this great Commonwealth. That is why my budget contains NO program cuts to K through 12 education.Public education is the backbone of a healthy economy.
So let us pledge tonight to avoid acrimony on this topic and agree that we will not cut a single dollar from our schools during this legislative session. We cannot wait until our students reach kindergarten to begin preparing them for success.
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Virginia Legislature
Jan 14, 2015
Terry McAuliffe:
Borrower's Bill of Rights to manage student debt
Yesterday, Governor-elect Northam and I stood together and outlined several pieces of legislation that we hope the new General Assembly will pass this year. They include:- Giving Virginians the tools to manage student debt and hold predatory
lenders accountable by passing a Borrower's Bill of Rights and creating a state ombudsman for student debt.
- Building on the executive actions my administration is pursuing to cut carbon and create clean energy jobs by becoming the first Southern
State to formally join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
- Closing a loophole in our ethics laws by prohibiting the personal use of campaign funds.
- Reducing obstacles to voting by doing away with barriers to absentee voting.
None of these
items are inherently political. They are proposed solutions to real policy problems. It could well be the case that there are better ideas to solve these problems & make life better for Virginians. Those are the questions we were all elected to consider.
Source: 2018 Virginia State of the State address
Jan 10, 2018
Tim Kaine:
More student loan interest cuts; more tuition assistance
Student loans have quickly become a hot button issue for candidates nationally and here in the Commonwealth. At Saturday's Republican Senate Debate in Roanoke candidates Bob Marshall, E.W. Jackson, and Jamie Radtke all came out forcefully saying the
federal government should be out of the student loan business. 10 On Your Side also contacted Democratic senate candidate Tim Kaine, who supports extending interest rate cuts to student loans and increasing tuition assistance at the state level.
Source: WSLS-10 Roanaoke on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
May 5, 2012
Tim Kaine:
FactCheck: Cut college funding & led to 30% tuition increase
Allen said: "What Tim Kaine did is he cut higher ed funding, and tuition increased in colleges by over 30% and that, of course, hurt families."Former Gov. Kaine inherited a $1.45 billion budget for higher education costs when he came into office.
In his farewell budget, Kaine recommended $1.37 billion in higher education funding for fiscal 2012. So over the span, Kaine supported a 5.7% cut. It's important to remember that Kaine was battling a severe recession at the end of his term.
Average in-state tuition and instructional fees at Virginia's four-year colleges rose 31.2% during Kaine's 2006-2010 gubernatorial term. At community colleges, those costs increased 24.5%. Tuition also rose nationwide.
We rated a similar
Republican claim against Kaine's higher education record Mostly True. We deducted points because the claim places all the blame on Kaine without acknowledging that his funding levels for college won broad bipartisan support.
Source: PolitiFact.com 2012 Senate FactCheck: Virginia debate
Apr 30, 2012
Daniel Gade:
Full school choice proponent
Q: Use public funding for private and/or for-profit schools?Daniel Gade: Yes. "Full school choice proponent." Supreme Court allowing public funding for religious schools a "huge win for religious liberty."
Mark Warner: No recent position found. Opposed publicly funded vouchers for private school tuition in 2001.
Source: CampusElect survey of 2020 Virginia Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
Tim Kaine:
We raised teacher pay & required regular teacher evaluations
When we work together, we produce results for all Virginians. Together, we've reduced taxes and invested in job creation. As a result, we have a low unemployment rate, a low tax burden, and we've been recognized as the most business-friendly state in
America.Together, we raised teacher pay, required regular teacher evaluations and invested in community colleges and higher education research. As a result, national publications and rankings acknowledge that our K/12 and higher education
systems are among the best in the nation. In fact, Education Week recently published an extensive survey indicating that children born in Virginia have a better chance for life success than those born in any other state in this nation.
Together, we've helped make health insurance more available to small businesses and expanded children's access to health care services. As a result, more Virginia children are getting the health care they need.
Source: 2007 State of the State address to Virginia Assembly
Jan 10, 2007
Tim Kaine:
Include private & church schools in kindergarten & pre-K
Education Week pointed out only two areas where Virginia was not among the nation's best--the number of children in kindergarten and the number in pre-K. We must act on our knowledge that investing in early childhood education delivers significant
savings for our entire society down the road.Studies show that 90% of a child's brain development occurs before the age of five. And that high-quality pre-kindergarten programs can have a dramatic effect on all children's readiness for school and
can reduce expensive remedial education and social costs later in life. The gains are most pronounced for at-risk students, but there are clear benefits for all children who get an early start in a high-quality environment.
I have proposed pilot projects to expand the Virginia Preschool Initiative by including high quality private pre-school programs, including church programs, in our efforts to expand early learning.
Source: 2007 State of the State address to Virginia Assembly
Jan 10, 2007
Donald McEachin:
Universal access to pre-K; invest in our public schools
Donald understands that good schools prepare children for lifelong success, as both citizens and workers. Donald will:- work towards universal access to pre-K education and affordable, high-quality childcare options
-
seek overdue investments in our public schools, ensuring that teachers have the resources and support they need to close achievement gaps and best help our children
Source: 2016 Virginia House campaign website DonaldMcEachin.com
Nov 8, 2016
Donald McEachin:
Graduate debt-free from public college
Education enables individual students to achieve their dreams, and it holds the power to break generations-long cycles of poverty and suffering. Donald will:- work to ensure that working and middle class students have the opportunity
to graduate debt-free from public college
- help former students reduce their student loan debt through new refinancing options and expanded loan forgiveness programs
Source: 2016 Virginia House campaign website DonaldMcEachin.com
Nov 8, 2016
Scott Taylor:
Heavy federal footprint stifles local education reform
Every large country will have national education goals and the US should as well. But these goals should be administered through the states and localities. As a delegate, Scott sees the heavy foot-print of the federal government with its rules and
regulations that can stifle education reform at the state and local level. Although the new federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act, ESSA, provides some additional local control, there are still unfunded mandates and unnecessary regulations.
Source: 2016 Virginia House campaign website ScottTaylor.US
Nov 8, 2016
Ralph Northam:
Federal grant to create 3,000 pre-K education spots
Dr. Northam chairs the Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success where he helped secure a federal grant to create over 3,000 pre-K education spots for children in low-income families and advocated for greater access to pre-natal care. He also chairs the
Governor's Task Force on Improving Mental Health Services and Crisis Response and led a team tasked with identifying challenges and suggesting improvements to the state's complex system of mental health services.
Source: 2016-17 Virginia gubernatorial campaign website
Nov 1, 2015
Ed Gillespie:
Expand the education tax credit
With one of the lowest tax credits in the nation, businesses and benefactors are investing in other states rather than here. We need to strengthen Virginia's Educaton Investment Scholarship Tax Credit program to incentivize more
investment in Virginia's children, including early childhood education. EISTC programs across the country have been successful in allowing low-income families to enroll their children in schools of their own choosing.
Source: 2017 Virginia Gubernatorial website EdForVirginia.com
Sep 1, 2017
Ralph Northam:
Restore and increase funding for K-12 education
Because of our historically strong commitment to elementary and secondary education, and recent investments in our community colleges and universities, Virginia has repeatedly been named the best state for a lifetime of learning.
Unfortunately, the recent nationwide financial crisis has left less in our state budget for our schools.I believe strongly that our children are our future, and that all of them deserve a world-class education.
In order to ensure that they are prepared to take on the jobs of tomorrow, and to compete in a global economy, we must restore and increase funding for K-12 education, including teacher salaries.
We must also continue to develop a strong
workforce in Virginia by supporting career and technical education at our outstanding community colleges, and take advantage of the economic development potential of innovation at our research universities.
Source: 2017 Virginia Gubernatorial website, SenatorNortham.com
Jan 17, 2011
Corey Stewart:
Give parents as many choices as possible, including vouchers
Q: Provide vouchers to parents to send their children to private schools with public money?Tim Kaine (D): No.
Will fight efforts to divert public school funding to private schools.
Corey Stewart (R): Yes. Parents need to be in charge & should have as many choices as possible including vouchers.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Virginia Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Tim Kaine:
Allow Pell Grants to cover short-term training
Q: Refinance student loans at lower rates, paid for by increasing taxes on high earners (Elizabeth Warren proposal)? Increase student financial aid?Tim Kaine (D): Voted for 2014 Warren proposal. Also fixed glitch in public service loan
forgiveness program. Allow Pell Grants to cover short-term training.
Corey Stewart (R): No public statement found.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Virginia Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Tim Kaine:
Fight efforts to divert public funding to private schools
Q: Provide vouchers to parents to send their children to private schools with public money?Tim Kaine (D): No.
Will fight efforts to divert public school funding to private schools.
Corey Stewart (R): Yes. Parents need to be in charge & should have as many choices as possible including vouchers.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Virginia Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Nick Freitas:
Wants Common Core out of the educational system
Parents need greater freedom in determining their children's educational needs. Teachers need more time and flexibility to educate, rather than trying to constantly prepare children for their next standardized test.
We must also keep Common Core out of Virginia's education system.
Source: 2018 Virginia Senate campaign website Nick4Senate.com
Mar 3, 2018
Corey Stewart:
Give parents many choices
Corey strongly believes parents need to be in charge of their education and will work to give them as many choices as possible including vouchers --
that create competition that is good for all schools. He will work to remove D.C.'s bureaucracy from the equation, and return all purview over education back to Virginia
Source: 2018 Virginia Senatorial website CoreyStewart.com
Dec 12, 2017
Amanda Chase:
Believes in school choice and options for parents
Amanda Chase is a firm believer in school choice--your quality of education shouldn't be determined by your zip code. She supports allowing parents to seek options that they believe provide the best opportunity for their child.
Amanda has also voted to reduce the number of SOL tests required for students because she recognizes that standardized testing isn't the only indicator of student's success.
Source: 2020 Virginia Senate campaign website Chase4senate.com
Apr 15, 2020
Ralph Northam:
$95 million for early childhood education for at-risk kids
I have sent you a comprehensive plan for early childhood education. This plan will invest $95 million to help at-risk three- and four-year-olds start learning sooner. This means training educators, providing support, and setting accountability
standards. If we invest in little learners today, we'll see great results for adults tomorrow. Other states have done this, and it's time for Virginia to get moving.
We need to invest in our K-12 public schools--with teacher raises, more guidance counselors, and extra funds for high-need schools. This budget increases the "At-Risk Add-On" for educationally at-risk students, by $140 million. This is the largest
single increase to this funding source in Virginia's history, and it's a critical investment. An investment in public schools is an investment in students and our economy. Education represents 38% of the new spending in this budget.
Source: 2020 Virginia State of the State address
Jan 8, 2020
Ralph Northam:
Financial aid: Get skilled, get a job, give back
I'm sending a proposal to help people "Get Skilled, Get a Job, and Give Back." If you need help, and if you choose to go into a high-demand field and if you commit to community service, then Virginia will cover your tuition, fees, and books.
And if Pell grants already do that, we'll give you a stipend--$1,000 a semester to help with transportation, child care, the rent, or even food. That's a small amount for the Commonwealth. In return, we'll ask you to serve the community.
Source: 2020 Virginia State of the State address
Jan 8, 2020
Jennifer Carroll Foy:
Restructure funding formulas so schools get what they need
My administration will fund our K-12 education system by restructuring the Standards of Quality funding formulas to ensure that schools are getting the resources they need. I'll invest in more opportunities for English language learners and immigrant
children. Limiting the obstacles our children face in reaching their academic potential ensures that every child, regardless of their circumstances or location, has the opportunity to achieve in the future.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign site JenniferCarrollFoy.com
Feb 21, 2021
Jennifer Carroll Foy:
Recruit more teachers of color
As a Delegate, I: - Passed my Diversifying the Teacher Workforce Act, helping to eliminate unnecessary barriers to gaining a teacher certification that disproportionately hurt minority educators.
-
Supported bills to increase teacher mentorship programs and Grow Your Own recruitment efforts that recruit more teachers of color.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign site JenniferCarrollFoy.com
Feb 21, 2021
Jennifer McClellan:
Invest in early childhood educators: compensation, training
As governor, Jennifer McClellan will deliver universal childcare by 2025: ensuring that every Virginia child has access to affordable childcare. Her plan will provide increased access to affordable childcare for more than 500,000 Virginia children.
Under McClellan's plan, every family with a child from birth through 4 years old will have access to affordable quality childcare. Families that make up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Limit ("FPL") will receive free childcare.
Early childhood educators need support to enable them to do their jobs effectively and safely with compensation and benefits that reflect the value of their work. McClellan's plan will invest in early childhood educators' vocational and career
advancement to ensure equity and accessibility in recruitment, career development, and compensation. This will include statewide streamlined processes and funds for equitable post secondary levels of credentialing and degree programs.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign website JennMcClellanVA.com
Feb 18, 2021
Jennifer McClellan:
Led the fight to fully fund Virginia public schools
As a legislator, Jenn has led the fight to fully fund Virginia public schools and address inequities in the education system. A recipient of numerous Virginia Education Association Legislative Champion Awards, Jenn has been a leader in fighting for
teacher pay raises and to provide more support-personnel--social workers, counselors, and nurses--in schools so that students get the help and guidance they need and teachers are free to do what they do best: teach.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign website JennMcClellanVA.com
Feb 18, 2021
Kirk Cox:
Froze college tuition for first time since age of disco
He has carried legislation to make K-12 education more accessible. As speaker, he froze college tuition across Virginia for the first time since the age of disco.
He has worked to develop more higher education options, trade and certification programs, and career development pathways.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign website KirkCox.com
Feb 19, 2021
Pete Snyder:
COVID: Open schools, allow students sports and spectators
"Closed schools and closed sports do more than just stunt learning--it robs our children of the benefits of high school athletics," said Pete Snyder. "Northam is denying the science that shows it is safe for family members,
the band, and cheerleaders to participate and watch outdoor youth sports. Let's open our schools now, five days a week, and let our students participate in youth sports. Let 'em play!"
Source: 2021 Virginia Governor campaign website PeteSnyder.com
Mar 22, 2021
Daniel Gade:
Student loan forgiveness is immoral transfer of risk
Q: Support payment subsidies or forgiveness on student loans?Daniel Gade: No. Forgiveness is an "immoral transfer of risk from poor people to already privileged people." No position found on payments.
Mark Warner: Yes. Co-sponsored bill to limit payments based on income and forgive debts after 20 or 30 years of payments.
Source: CampusElect survey of 2020 Virginia Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
Glenn Youngkin:
We will teach all of our history: the good and the bad
We'll start where the future is determined in the classroom preparing Virginia's children to be Career or College ready. Starting today, we will raise standards, raise teacher pay, invest in facilities and children with disabilities.
We will create innovation lab and charter schools of achievement--within the public school system. We will remove politics from the classroom and re-focus on essential math, science and reading. And we will teach all of our history the good and the bad.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Virginia legislature
Jan 15, 2022
Glenn Youngkin:
Parents should have a say in what is taught in school
We've tried to silence the people most responsible for the lives of young children --- their parents. Parents should have a say in what is taught in school, because in Virginia, parents have a fundamental right to make decisions with regards to
their child's upbringing, education and care. To parents I say, "we respect you. And we will empower you in the education of your children."
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Virginia legislature
Jan 15, 2022
Glenn Youngkin:
We must provide choice within the public school system
Parents matter and we must protect their fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education and care of their children.
We must provide choice within the public school system by accelerating our efforts to build lab schools.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Virginia legislature
Jan 11, 2023
Daniel Gade:
Student debt payoff is tax on poor in favor of privileged
Q: Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?A: None. Any such scheme constitutes a tax on the poor and middle class in favor of the rich and privileged.
These loans were taken voluntarily. However, we need serious reform to the student loan system, including universities bearing part of the responsibility for their graduates through co-signing or similar mechanisms.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Virginia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Ralph Northam:
Invest in early childhood education
Democrat Ralph Northam will run for Virginia governor. "We need to continue investing in early childhood education," Northam wrote, "creating jobs in the new Virginia economy, protecting women's reproductive rights and expanding access to
Medicaid for 400,000 of our citizens."
Source: AMI Newswire on 2017 Virginia governor's race
Oct 20, 2015
Mark Warner:
Limit student loan payments based on income
Q: Support payment subsidies or forgiveness on student loans?Mark Warner: Yes. Co-sponsored bill to limit payments based on income and forgive debts after 20 or 30 years of payments.
Daniel Gade: No. Forgiveness is an "immoral transfer of risk from poor people to already privileged people." No position found on payments.
Source: CampusElect survey of 2020 Virginia Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
Glenn Youngkin:
We shouldn't play privilege bingo with children
We saw students being taught that they should view everything through a lens of race and judge one another. We're not talking about forgetting our history. One of the things we have to do is teach all of our history, the good and the bad.
But we shouldn't play privilege bingo with children. We shouldn't teach children that they should judge one another, and one group is privileged and another group is going to find it hard in life necessarily.
Source: CBS Face the Nation on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial race
Jul 10, 2022
Jennifer Carroll Foy:
Expand early childhood education to lower age brackets
She sees the intersection of early childhood education with equity and workforce development. By expanding early childhood education to lower age brackets, Carroll Foy said this bolsters the working parents' childcare needs
with reaching younger demographics of children who have sometimes started their K-12 education steps behind others.
Source: Charlottesville Tomorrow on 2021 Virginia Governor race
Feb 16, 2021
Glenn Youngkin:
Unfair for biological boys to play sports with girls
I do believe that it's unfair for girls to have biological boys play sports with biological girls. There are sports with segregated sexes for those sports. And those sports should be honored that way. And there are sports where they're not segregated,
where, in fact, both sexes get to play at the same time. Again, there's a commonsense approach here to this. And I do think we have to respect girls as well here.
Source: CNN SOTU interviews on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial race
Oct 9, 2022
Rob Wittman:
My wife teaches; so I know what's working
Wittman's wife, he noted during a telephone call with the
Daily Press, is a teacher. "She tells me on nearly a daily basis what things are working and are not working," he said.
Source: Daily Press on 2017 Virginia governor's race
Dec 13, 2015
Jennifer Wexton:
Every child deserves a world-class public education
Q: What are your legislative priorities?A: In the State Senate, I have always been in the minority party, but have found bipartisan success with legislation that helps kids and families. I've written and passed laws that make our children safer in
daycares and online, combat the heroin and opioid crisis, help ease traffic congestion, and get much-needed resources to victims of domestic violence. In Congress, my legislative priorities will always be guided by my core values.
I believe that our role as leaders is to do the most good for the most people. I believe that leaders must be accountable to those they seek to represent. I believe that every child deserves a world-class public education, no matter their zip code.
I believe that no one should face discrimination because of the god they worship or whom they love. I believe that access to affordable health care is a right, not a privilege. And I believe that it shouldn't be easier to buy a gun than it is to vote.
Source: League of Women Voters: 2018 Virginia voting records
Sep 9, 2018
Corey Stewart:
Vouchers for school choice
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Vouchers for school choice"?
A: Strongly Support
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Virginia Senate candidate
May 18, 2018
Tim Kaine:
Expand need-based financial aid & Tuition Assistance Grants
Our network of community colleges, four-year colleges and universities plays a vital role in both our education system and our economic prosperity. The introduced budget includes significant additional funding for these schools to
help them absorb over 56,000 new students by the year 2012. Further, I support the expansion of need-based financial aid and increases in Tuition Assistance Grants for students at our independent colleges contained in the introduced budget.
Source: State of the State 2006 address to Virginia Assembly
Jan 16, 2006
Glenn Youngkin:
We've got to get critical race theory out of the schools
[On CRT in schools]: "We've got to get critical race theory out of the schools," Youngkin told right-wing talk show host Hugh Hewitt. Youngkin vowed to a far-right media personality, "I'm going to tell you, as governor, we will not teach critical race
theory in our schools." He has more recently pledged to "ban" CRT from Virginia schools on "day one," should he win the election next month. He told Fox News that, critical race theory had "moved into our school system and we have to remove it."
Source: The Daily Beast on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial race
Oct 12, 2021
Terry McAuliffe:
$2 billion to boost teacher pay, expand internet access
The former governor said he plans to roll out a list of policies starting off with an education platform that would invest $2 billion a year to boost teacher pay and ensure every public school student has internet access. "To build a strong post-COVID
economy, the best workforce in the world and to create a clear path for the middle class, we need to make an unprecedented investment in education. The time is now to ensure a world class education for every single Virginia child," McAuliffe said.
Source: The Hill newsmagazine on 2021 Virginia gubernatorial race
Dec 9, 2020
Terry McAuliffe:
Address school segregation; expand pre-school availability
He's planning to put an extra $2 billion a year into education to fund teacher pay raises, address segregation in schools and end racial achievement gaps, expand preschool availability for at-risk 3- and 4-year-olds, provide every
student with internet access and improve workforce development programs. "The one thing we cannot afford to do is to keep Black and Brown and rural children from being able to access what they need to get a quality education," McAuliffe said.
Source: Virginia Mercury on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial debate
Dec 9, 2020
Kirk Cox:
Put together a comprehensive plan to reopen schools
I think the K-12 issue is going to be huge. I'll say, it is hard to open schools. But myself [and others]--way back in early July--put together a very comprehensive proposal on how to reopen schools and give schools and localities a pathway.
A lot of parents are looking for help. I put a budget amendment in called the Read Act on helping with things like teaching pods and internet access, which the Democrats had no interest in.
Source: Virginia Mercury on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial debate
Nov 17, 2021
Mark Herring:
Double Loudoun County's share of state education funding
Senator Herring knows that education is the key to helping children achieve their full potential, ensure that our economy remains strong, and helps to build a workforce that is prepared to compete successfully in a global economy. Since taking office in
2006, he has successfully worked to double Loudoun County's share of state education funding.In 2010, Governor Kaine's proposed budget included a freeze of the
Local Composite Index (LCI), the formula that determines how much state funding is distributed to each locality. Such a freeze would have negatively impacted Fairfax and Loudoun County Public Schools.
Senator Herring fought hard against the proposed freeze and introduced a budget amendment to reverse it. His budget amendment was adopted and resulted in nearly $100 million in additional state education funds for Fairfax and Loudoun.
Source: Vote-USA.org on 2011 Virginia Gubernatorial race
Oct 4, 2011
Mark Herring:
Protect Virginia's Tuition Assistance Grant Program
One of Virginia's greatest assets is its world-class higher education system. In 2011, he sponsored and won legislation to protect Virginia's Tuition Assistance Grant Program (TAG). The bill clarifies the current TAG program eligibility requirements
in order to ensure that Virginia tax dollars are awarded to Virginia students attending Virginia private colleges and universities.Senator Herring has been a strong supporter of higher education in our area, securing funding for two
additional classroom buildings at the burgeoning Loudoun Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. He helped initiate and supported a collaborative effort among the business community, George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College,
Loudoun County Public Schools, Loudoun County, and the Town of Leesburg to establish a permanent campus of George Mason University in Loudoun. Read the GMU Resolution.
Source: Vote-USA.org on 2011 Virginia Gubernatorial race
Oct 4, 2011
Terry McAuliffe:
Wants more diversity among teachers, provide scholarships
McAuliffe highlighted a portion of his education plan, the Lucy Simms Educator Program. The program would cover tuition at a Virginia public university or historically black college for those who commit five years to teaching in Virginia public
schools. "We need our educators to reflect who we are as a commonwealth. That's why I always talk about we have got bring in more diverse educators here to represent all of the areas of education that we need to be lifted up," McAuliffe said.
Source: WHSV 3-News on 2021 Virginia gubernatorial race
Dec 17, 2020
Justin Fairfax:
Proposes $30 billion plan to rebuild state's aging schools
Fairfax has announced a $30 billion proposal to rebuild and reimagine all K-12 schools in Virginia. This fund would allocate $30 billion over the next 10 years to reconstruct all K-12 public schools in Virginia that are 40 years or older.
The proposal also includes a pay raise for teachers and guarantees a paid summer job or internship for Virginia youth.
Source: WHSV Fox-TV3 on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial race
Jun 18, 2021
Ralph Northam:
$30 billion to rebuild, reimagine all K-12 schools in state
Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax has announced a $30 billion proposal to rebuild and reimagine all K-12 schools in Virginia. This fund would allocate $30 billion over the next 10 years to reconstruct all K-12 public schools in
Virginia that are 40 years or older. The proposal also includes a pay raise for teachers and guarantees a paid summer job or internship for Virginia youth.
Source: WHSV-3-TV & WWBT newsroom on 2021 Virginia Governor race
Jun 18, 2020
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026