By Tony McVeigh
Frankfort, KY – The Kentucky House has again agreed to raise the age at which students may drop out of school.
For a third time, the Kentucky House has approved a compulsory attendance bill that gradually increases the state's drop out age to 18. The vote was 87-13, with House Speaker Greg Stumbo voting with the majority.
"It's time to go back to the spirit of KERA. It's time to honor the wishes of the first lady. And it's time not to have to listen to that age old excuse that I'm tired of going to school and I want to quit and mommy and daddy says it's OK."
Opponents, like Rep. Ben Waide of Madisonville, say the bill is an unfunded mandate.
"And Mr. Speaker, I'm forced to listen to my teachers. I try to do that as much as I can. And my teachers, overwhelmingly, do not want this legislation. Not because they don't love their kids. They love their kids! They put their hearts out there everyday for their kids. But my teachers tell me this won't solve the problem and it will create other problems as unintended consequences."
The bill, which has the strong backing of Gov. and Mrs. Beshear, now moves to the Senate.