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Gov. Chris Christie is trying to push through new education reform legislation targeting low-income families in N.J., but not everyone agrees with it
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Earlier this month.
Chris Christie called education reform the single most important issue to him as governor of New Jersey.
Even.
When I was facing thirteen billion dollars in budget deficits at the time.
170000.
Lost jobs in the private sector year before to pre big problems that we had -- but there's no question in my mind.
What the fight that I cared the most about.
Currently Christie's trying to push the opportunity scholarship act of the state legislature.
The legislation would correct statement to children from low income families.
Eleven areas in -- Christie calls chronically failing public schools.
The saving could be used to attend private schools including those with religious affiliation.
In new act Christie's as the thief spends 24000.
Dollars.
Per student per year but that only 23%.
Of students in the ninth grade in -- public schools -- graduate high school.
Forget about the wasted money for a moment.
Think about the -- remarks Christie spoke at an education reform summit in Jersey City.
-- other big names like Louisiana's governor Bobby -- And north mayor Cory Booker also gave speeches we announced we're gonna get past most ambitious educational reform bills -- our State's history.
Education reform is a topic we've learned is not an easy one.
In the 20112012.
School year an estimated 49 million kids are attending public elementary and secondary schools in America.
And the price tag will be an estimated 525.
Billion dollars -- while the national graduation rate has risen in the last few years.
Drop -- continue to be a significant problem.
Kevin shaped as senior advisor at the American patterns have children says the problem is not a political one.
I support Governor Christie and his education plan I'm a Democrat I don't live here but there's one issue in America.
This to be nonpartisan is -- -- -- true.
Christie himself who moved out of Newark as a young child because of its troubled school system.
Agrees.
He said it's not Democrats but special interest groups -- -- -- New Jersey teachers' union as one of the organizations standing in the way.
I often think now is governor.
How many children are our -- classrooms today in Newark.
And new Jersey City.
Paterson.
Trenton.
Camden.
Well all the god given gifts.
Some day be governor of New Jersey but never will be.
And they won't be because we didn't have the guts.
And the will.
Stand -- -- moneyed.
Status quo.
That cares more about their own interests.
And they care about the future these children.
-- -- the president of the American Federation of Teachers in New Jersey says lobbying -- -- of education reform.
Does not agree with the opportunity scholarship act.
Instead she said the government should put more time.
Energy and reevaluate the public schools that -- -- She also said that while there are ongoing talks about what to do with the current students who are in -- failing schools.
There are no programs the -- -- -- is pushing at this time.
Reporting -- New York I'm Christina Scott.
