Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

Issue Position: Education

To ensure that North Dakota thrives in the 21st century, we have to make sure our children get an education here that is unrivaled. To do this, we have to invest in every one of our schools and every one of our children. Doing so will bring a brighter tomorrow for everybody.

As Governor I will:

* Adequately fund K-12 education.

The state needs to pitch in its fair share to ensure that every child in North Dakota is getting an adequate education. This means funding the full 70 percent state share, as called for by the K-12 funding formula. Our children are our future and our most precious resource, and they deserve better.

* Take the burden off of the local property tax base.

For too long, the debate over our children's education has been overshadowed by the debate over how we pay for it. I will take this issue off the table though adequate state funding of schools, a property tax cut, and close work with your local school officials to keep your future property tax rates under control.

* Make college more affordable

I have a college tuition assistance plan that will reimburse the full cost of tuition at any state school for somebody who stays and works in the state for eight years. Covering the full tuition cost for all students, as opposed to a gimmick plan that only covers a small part of the cost, is the kind of investment we need to make in our future.

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