No Child Left Behind: the Bush family cashes in too

[hangloose]

Neil Bush has a colorful history, including failed S&Ls, insider stock trading scandals, and well, general Bush family corruption.

We already know that Armstrong Williams received a handsome payday from the taxpayer for pimping No Child Left Behind for Bush, but House Blend reader Ms. Julien in Miami pointed out that the Bush family (it turns out Neil) benefits directly from No Child Left Behind. We went digging and collected a bit of info that is quite interesting.

Neil Bush founded Ignite Incorporated, a software company that helps students prepare to take comprehensive tests required under the No Child Left Behind act. A phone call to Ignite's toll free number (1.866.464.4648, ext 113) with a search for a company directory by name for Neil Bush gets his extension, so it's still his baby with the dough rolling in.

<SNIP>


Some politicians are questioning whether Governor Jeb Bush's brother Neil is trying to use the FCAT to make a buck. Neil Bush founded a company that provides software to help students take standardized tests. Critics say it doesn't look right for Neil Bush to be marketing his software to Florida schools.

Ignite, Incorporated makes computer software to help children prepare for standardized tests like florida's FCAT. Students at an Orlando-area middle school are using the software as part of a pilot program. Founder Neil Bush is the brother of Governor Jeb and President George Bush.

The arrangements is raising eyebrows at the state Democratic Party. Spokesman Ryan Banfill says having one brother selling something to help students on a test spearheaded by another brother and sanctioned by the president doesn't look good. "We think that there's an appearance of impropriety here," Banfill said. "We think that in the name of all that's good and ethical, that maybe Neil Bush should step back and not try to make money off of Florida's FCAT."

http://www.pamspaulding.com/weblog/2005/01/no-child-left-behind-bush-family.html

[imenja]

1. Don't you get it?

The whole point of serving in public office is to cash in and enrich your family in the process. Just look at Carlyle.
Revolting isn't it? :puke:

[KerryReallyWon]

2. we have been screaming about this in Fla

that Jeb put this stupid FCAT testing in the schools, it has made a mess out of "accoutability" and then a few years down the road, we learn Jeb's brother Neil developed the software for the program!!! This should not be allowed.

Geezzz when I fill out to win a prize, they ask if I am related to anyone working in or with the company. No conflicts of interest, to show you may have been favored. So why is this allowed at the top tier of our government? We are bushwacked in fla.

[hangloose]

3. Well were here to help and scream about it on DU, let's shout it

out in all 50 states.

[burn the bush]

4. i had been wondering what benefits bushes got with this program

it seems that no matter what speech bush gives, he mentions the no child left behind program as beign so very very good. I wonder if there are more connections than this? We need to start looking closer at this program. I will bet the bay point schools or the selmers are getting grants for it.