BY PAUL BARTON
Enquirer Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON -- Tristate Republicans on Wednesday blasted President Clinton's veto of legislation that would have allowed parents to establish tax-free plans to pay educational expenses.
The bill would have allowed parents to save as much as $2,000 a year with tax-free interest to use for educational expenses for children in kindergarten through college.
The bill was designed to give parents more freedom of choice and more competition for public schools, since the money could be used for tuition at private schools.
But the president said 70 percent of the benefits would have gone to the richest 20 percent of families.
"The single largest impediment to real education reform in America today is the Clinton veto pen," Rep. John Boehner, R-West Chester, said in a statement.
Mr. Boehner is chairman of the House Republican Conference, the fourth-ranking leadership position in the chamber.
Mr. Boehner accused the president of appeasing Washington political allies, including powerful teachers' unions.
"Just one day after the president professed his commitment to education in America, he used his veto power to strike down educational choice for millions of working families and students," Mr. Boehner said.
Also critical were Rep. Jim Bunning, R-Southgate, and Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who had worked for provisions in the bill to make pre-paid college tuition plans tax free.
"Our legislation would have made saving for college a little easier, and I am extremely disappointed that the president vetoed this legislation that would have made it easier for Kentucky parents to save for their child's future," Mr. McConnell said in a statment. Mr. Bunning said, "The president talks a good game about education, but this is one lesson he flunked."
