A general question on Kerry and vouchers

[Ishoutandscream]

A fellow educator friend mentioned that she had heard something along the line of Kerry being some kind of a proponent of vouchers. I told her no way; my union (American Federation of Teachers) is about to endorse Kerry, and there would be no way the union would support someone who had a favorable view of vouchers.

Has Kerry supported some kind of voucher system in the past? If so, has he changed his position? I'm totally confused on this issue, and I pray that Kerry would block any form of legislation supporting vouchers if he became president.

[EXE619K]

1. AFT has already endorsed Kerry.

Please feel free to vote for him.

Because he's the most "electable" candidate and the "safe" choice among Democratic voters.

[Ishoutandscream]

2. Yes, I understand that

But if Kerry supports some kind of voucher system, I don't care who the AFT supports. Does Kerry support vouchers?

[rucky]

3. Dunno about vouchers, but he supported NCLB

and still got the AFT endorsement?

[Feanorcurufinwe]

4. Kerry Q and A on vouchers

Q: Would you allow parents in areas that are poor or with bad schools to use tax money to help send their children to private schools?

A: I have never supported vouchers. I understand why parents want more choices and I believe they should have more choices in public schools. But public schools need resources and support, and vouchers drain them of both. Our inner-city schools and our rural schools need better buildings, more textbooks, higher paid teachers, the best principals, and smaller classes.
Source: Associated Press policy Q&A, "School Vouchers" Jan 25, 2004
http://www.issues2000.org/2004/John_Kerry_Education.htm

[Ishoutandscream]

5. Thank you. This is good news

My teacher friend (believe it or not) is somewhat undecided if Kerry wins the nomination. Showing her this will get her to vote for Kerry if he is the nominee. This, of course, helps me with my decision.