Edwards' willingness to listen on ed issues a start
Gov. Bobby Jindal has spent his eight years as the leader of Louisiana first fighting for its people and then seemingly forgetting about them.
But as his days wind down, the former presidential candidate seems to have one pet project he wants to see continue.
On Jan. 11 governor-elect John Bel Edwards will take office and the democrat is expected to make changes all over the place. One of those areas he has talked about changing is in the field of education.
Jindal hopes that his successor takes a good, long look at one of his favorites, that of student vouchers.
Vouchers allow low-income students who attend troubled public schools to qualify for state aid so they can attend private schools.
It seems like a good idea, helping those in need get the best opportunities to help themselves.
Jindal, a republican, has asked Edwards, a known critic of vouchers, to at least meet with some of the families that have benefited from the program before making any decision.
To his credit, Edwards has said he would do so. He has also said he does not want to scrap the program but wants to make sure it goes to low-income students who are at failing schools.
The voucher program in the state started in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. It has since expanded to the rest of Louisiana.
We credit our governor for doing the odd request, showing that he is still concerned about the future of our state.
We also credit Edwards for being open to meeting with the parents and families of those who the system has helped. Their stories put faces to what has been used as a political football.
No matter what side of the debate you are on, listening to the people should be something our politicians do before they make any major decision.
While we know the program is costly, and the state is far from in great economic shape, we still believe that giving as many children the opportunity at a bright future through education is perhaps the most important thing our leaders can do.
Far too often they have made poor political decisions in such issues, selecting votes over what can help the most people.
Opponents of the voucher system say they are a drain on the state’s budget and have failed to deliver on what was promised.
What we do ask is that state officials make sure the voucher system is used to benefit the students who need them the most. It is up to those officials to make sure they are used the right way.
But one thing continues to trouble us: the way leaders use education for politics.
Louisiana still needs a lot of work when it comes to educating our children, and it would seem with a new administration this would be a good time for parties on both sides to come together and find a way to do what is best for our kids.
The fact that Edwards is at least willing to listen could be a good start.American Press - Opinion:
