Education will be a focal point for Gov. Bob McDonnell’s administration in 2012 and that could mean opening the door for a school voucher-like program.
During his monthly radio appearance on WNIS, McDonnnell said Tuesday his administration would continue to look at options for Virginia students and parents outside of the public school system.
“That’s why we’ve been bullish about having charter schools and college lab schools and virtual schools,” McDonnell said. “I’m strongly supportive of tuition tax credit scholarships to be able to give young people opportunities to go to other schools.”
McDonnell’s statements provide a glimpse into the Republican governor’s agenda if the GOP can win back the state senate in the November elections. Democrats now hold a 22-18 majority in that chamber and Republicans can gain control by netting just two seats.
Republicans already carry a strong majority in the House of Delegates.
Earlier this year, Democrats blocked a bill giving tax credits to companies that provided scholarships for low-income students to attend private schools. McDonnell favored the approach and admitted Tuesday a more traditional voucher system — giving public dollars to students for tuition to attend private and parochial schools — may not be constitutional in Virginia.
Opponents of voucher systems say providing money to private schools with a religious affiliation is a violation of the separation of church and state, and studies on their effectiveness in boosting student achievement are inconclusive at best. Many Republicans see vouchers as a way to introduce competition into the school system.
McDonnell also fielded a caller’s question about GOP presidential hopeful Herman Cain’s 9-9-9 plan, a tax reform proposal that would reduce corporate and personal income taxes to 9 percent and create a national 9 percent sales tax. The governor said the idea had merit and that he admires Cain for introducing a candid but simple plan.
But while Cain’s business background is “exactly what we need in the White House,” McDonnell said he still prefers a governor for the nomination, alluding to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney or Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
“I wouldn’t in any way undermine Mr. Cain’s past experience and success in business,” McDonnell said. “It does help to have some political experience.”
