Ernie Fletcher on Education

Former Republican Governor (2003-2007); previously U.S. Representative, KY-6

Guarantee right to prayer in public schools

Q: Do you support amending the U.S. Constitution to guarantee the right to religious expression and voluntary prayer in public places, including schools?

A: Yes.

Source: 1998 Congressional National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 1998

Supports vouchers & charter schools

Allow parents to use tax-free savings accounts to send their children to any participating school: public, private or religious.
Support creation of more charter schools where teachers & professionals receive authorization & funding to establish new schools.
Support voluntary teacher testing & reward teachers with merit pay.
Fletcher adds, "Scholarships for low income families to be valid at any participating school. "

Source: 1998 Congressional National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 1998

Voted YES on allowing school prayer during the War on Terror.

Children's Prayers Resolution: Expressing the sense of Congress that schools should allow children time to pray for, or silently reflect upon, the country during the war against terrorism. Reference: Bill sponsored by Isakson, R-GA; Bill H.Con.Res.239 ; vote number 2001-445 on Nov 15, 2001

Voted YES on requiring states to test students.

No Child Left Behind Act of 2001: Vote to pass a bill that would authorize $22.8 billion in education funding, a 29 percent increase from fiscal 2001. The bill would require states to test students to track progress. Reference: Bill sponsored by Boehner R-OH; Bill HR 1 ; vote number 2001-145 on May 23, 2001

Supports requiring schools to allow prayer.

Fletcher co-sponsored a bill requiring schools to allow voluntary prayer:

H.R.1, S.73:

No DOE funds shall be available to any educational agency which prevents participation in constitutionally protected prayer in public schools by individuals on a voluntary basis. No educational agency shall require any person to participate in prayer or influence the form or content of any constitutionally protected prayer in such public schools.

H.Con.Res.199 (Nov 19, 1999, Bonilla et. al.)

Expressing the sense of the Congress that prayers and invocations at public school sporting events contribute to the moral foundation of our Nation and urging the Supreme Court to uphold their constitutionality.

H.J.RES. 54

Recognizing the authority of public schools to allow students to exercise their constitutional rights by establishing a period of time for silent prayer or meditation or reflection, encouraging the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and refusing to discriminate against individuals or groups on account of their religious character or speech.

H.J.RES. 54, Students' Rights Resolution of 2001, 6/21/2001 (Smith (TX), Rahall, Hall (TX), Hilleary, Barr (GA), Souder, Smith (NJ), Buyer)
S. 73, Voluntary School Prayer Protection Act, 1/22/2001 (Helms)
H.R.1, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Boehner, et. al.)

Source: H.R.1 01-HR1 on Jan 31, 2001

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Page last updated: Sep 17, 2008