NSEA: Gibbons Would Turn Education into “Charity” in Nevada
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February 10, 2010
CARSON CITY, Nev. - Governor Jim Gibbons says he wants a fair hearing on his education reform plan and, in less than two weeks, he wants to see action in a special session on nearly $1 billion in proposed budget cuts.
On Tuesday, however, "No More Cuts" was the chant from University of Nevada Las Vegas students in response to his proposal. According to Nevada State Education Association (NSEA) President Lynn Warne, Gibbons' plan would mean the loss of thousands of teachers' jobs in Nevada.
"There are really no real solutions in what he's offering as a reform package – vouchers are unconstitutional, gift certificates for teacher's salaries that could be purchased at the DMV? He's turning education into nothing but a charity."
Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford (D-Dist. 4) agrees the voucher plan is unconstitutional. He has cautioned Gibbons to steer away from education reform and focus the special session solely on the budget crisis instead.
In his State of the State message this week, Gibbons said it was time to stop throwing more money at programs that don't work for our children. Warne says it is hard to take those comments seriously in a state that regularly scores at the bottom in national comparisons of education funding.
"It is shortsighted, you know – it's nothing more than political posturing. If he looks at really wanting to see education first, if he wants to see our kids succeed in the state, you don't cut the school year, you don't lay off thousands of educators."
Gibbons lashed out at lawmakers in his comments, arguing that his education plan is not getting a fair hearing. However, even some members of his own party – including Senate Minority Leader Bill Raggio (R-Dist. 3) – have expressed reservations about the proposal.