THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 31, 1995 TAG: 9505270024
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
Gov. George Allen is marching to the beat of a different drummer when it comes to Goals 2000 money.
The program to improve public education was begun under President George Bush and continues under Clinton. The goals in question are large and unobjectionable - safer schools, more parental involvement, improved teacher education, higher standards and scores. States and localities will decide how to pursue them.
The program could provide more than $14 million in federal funds to Virginia over two years. State Superintendent of Public Instruction William Bosher says the money would probably be spent on teacher training.
Forty-eight states have applied for the money. Virginia's Board of Education has voted 4-3 to apply for it. The Virginia Business Council, the Chamber of Commerce and PTAs want to apply for it. But George Allen doesn't. He wants an extension of the deadline until he sees if nefarious strings are attached to the money. He fears a ``potential federal intrusion'' into state and local control over education.
Maybe Allen is right and 48 other governors are wrong. But Allen's objection looks a lot like the triumph of ideological fervor over pragmatic common sense. The state could certainly use the money, its teachers could use training and if potential strings turn into an actual web, designed to ensnare Virginia, we could always turn down the money then.
Besides, the program was started by a Republican president and any strings will be attached by a conservative Republican Congress. Allen's worries seem overblown. And his refusal to succumb to federal entanglements is also highly selective.
State schools already receive $350 million in federal funds, and according to Board President James P. Jones they come with a variety of requirements. In fact, Jones says, the Goals 2000 money is comparatively unencumbered.
The state is also entangled in federal highway, medical and welfare money. Does Allen propose forgoing all that money as well? It would be absurd to do so, and it is absurd to risk the loss of $14 million in Goals 2000 money because of what might happen in the future.
These are the tax dollars of Virginians. Here's a chance to bring them home and put them to work. Governor Allen should let House Speaker Newt Gingrich worry about cutting federal spending, taxation and red tape. He's on the case.
It's the governor's job to do right by Virginia's schools, taxpayers and children. He may have philosophical problems with federal bloat, who doesn't? But in this specific real-world instance, he should take the feds' money and run. by CNB