Comments on: Choice creates change

By: mike

mike — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 14:19:39 +0000

“If the federal government would get out of the education business, would this result in a stronger economy?”

I believe you are missing the point Gecko Rock is making. It is not about the spending. It is about the poor job of educating children the public schools are currently doing. What if we spent the same amount on education under a voucher system as we do now? The resulting competion would likely result in better instruction for all children and they would likely make more money during their working years. Resulting in real growth in GDP.

By: allen

allen — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 05:37:36 +0000

If the federal government would get out of the education business, would this result in a stronger economy?

As a percentage of GDP, it’s not much. Education spending by the federal government isn’t even much of a percentage of the federal budget. But once the camel gets his nose into the tent…

Not that I’m saying I support a federal role in public education but lopping it off probably wouldn’t have a noticeable effect on the economy.

It would have a significant effect on the public education system though. Federal bucks are now factored into most district’s budgets and their disappearence wouldn’t go unnoticed. But the financial handicaps that most charter schools labor under is proof that too much money is being spent in public education.

By: SuperSub

SuperSub — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 01:49:16 +0000

Gecko – I’m not sure about where you live, but the overwhelming majority of stupid regulations that tie schools’ and parents’ hands in NY come from the state. The feds have barely any input.

By: Gecko Rock

Gecko Rock — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 19:48:39 +0000

I’m not talking about spending. I’m talking about regulation. Big government seems to hinder progress. The benefit to the economy is not based on government spending but on better prepared citizens who contribute to the tax base.

By: david foster

david foster — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 18:31:12 +0000

“If the federal government would get out of the education business, would this result in a stronger economy?”…most education spending is by state & local governments. This is something that “progressives” conveniently ignore when comparing federal spending on education with federal spending on defense.

By: Gecko Rock

Gecko Rock — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 15:40:30 +0000

If the federal government would get out of the education business, would this result in a stronger economy?

I hope I am not over-reaching on this point. Your article presents clear anecdotal evidence in support of voucher programs. Capitalism as an education model creates competition. In turn, students are more successful in and out of the classroom, preparing them for a more productive adult life. A more productive adult life leads to lower unemployment, innovation, progress and additional tax revenues.