Mar 10, 2011

Local California Students Begging For Constitutional Education Program…

Local California Students Begging For Constitutional Education Program, Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy Unable to Answer

According to a local news report, students in Kern County, California, are in danger of losing their civics education program because of bad budget choices by Republican Whip Kevin McCarthy (CA-22) but McCarthy refused to explain his vote or his decision. Like other House Republicans, Representative Kevin McCarthy voted to slash education funding for programs like this, but refused to end taxpayer subsidies for Big Oil companies making record profits.

 “Everyone knows we need to cut spending and reduce the debt but Representative Kevin McCarthy is unwilling to answer his constituents about what his decision to slash education programs means for them,” said Jesse Ferguson of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Representative Kevin McCarthy chose to slash education programs like “We the People” while protecting taxpayer subsidies for Big Oil companies making record profits. Maybe Representative Kevin McCarthy should sign up for a civics education program of his own so he can learn how elected officials are supposed to fight for their constituents, not the Washington special interests.”

 Background

 “We the People” Program Faced Federal Funding Cut. Educators in Kern County were planning to rally in an effort to convince Congressman McCarthy not to cut the “We The People” constitutional education program. The competition among high school students tested constitutional knowledge so students could gain critical thinking skills, teamwork skills and learn.

 Republicans in the House called for the elimination of funding for Teach for America, Reading is Fundamental and We the People. If funding wasn’t restored within the next two weeks for the program it could be gone.

 It was reported that “McCarthy could not be reached by press time.”  [Bakersfield Californian, 3/8/11]

 Last month, Representative Kevin McCarthy voted for the Republican Continuing Resolution.  [HR 1, Vote #147 , 2/19/11]

 Representative Kevin McCarthy opposed a Motion to Recommit that would ensure no “tax benefit” could go to a “major integrated oil company.” [HJ Res 44, Vote #153, 3/01/11]

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