Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Marco Rubio says nation doesn’t need U.S. Education Department

Updated Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015 | 2:52 p.m.

CARSON CITY — Republican presidential hopeful Marco Rubio says the U.S. doesn't need a federal Education Department, arguing that its recommendations to state and local governments often turn into mandates tied to money.

The Florida senator made the comments today during a town hall meeting in Carson City. About 200 people attended the gathering in a community center, part of a tour of northern Nevada.

"What starts out as a suggestion ends up being, 'If you want money from us, you must to do it this way,' and you will end up with a version of a national school board," Rubio said. "We don't need a national school board."

Democrats pointed out that Rubio's expensive college costs were footed in part by Pell Grants and Stafford Loans, which are administered by the Education Department.

Rubio said the department administers certain programs that have merit but those could be transferred to other agencies. "I honestly think we don't need a Department of Education," he said.

The candidate drew claps and cheers when he told his audience he opposed Common Core education standards. "I do support curriculum reform," he said, but that should be done at the state and local level.

Rubio spoke in Reno on Monday and is campaigning in the rural Nevada communities of Yerington and Fallon on his trip through the state.

Gov. Brian Sandoval, meanwhile, said Rubio is an “impressive guy,” but the governor wasn't ready to endorse any Republican candidate for president.

Sandoval met privately with Rubio for about 90 minutes today at the governor’s mansion.

Sandoval said the meeting “was to get to know each other” and that Rubio did not seek an endorsement. They talked about their families, the drought in the West and how it is to campaign for president, Sandoval said.

Sandoval has said he wants to meet with all the candidates before endorsing anybody, though he has ruled out Donald Trump.

Sandoval noted that he has known GOP contender Jeb Bush for a long time.

He said Bush, who was governor of Florida at the time, served as his mentor when Sandoval first ran for governor. “We have kept in touch,” Sandoval said.

The governor said he appreciated all the candidates for the time they have spent in Nevada.

Las Vegas Sun reporter Cy Ryan and Associated Press reporter Michelle Rindels contributed to this report.

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