I think this helps but doesn't get at the fundamental problem of kids not wanting to learn. It's not a question of being rich or poor, but a question of desire.

Call me radical but I think the state should pay kids to go to school and get good grades, and give free college scholarships from those deserving students from poor nabs.

NJ panel advances bill to give scholarships to poor kids

The Associated Press

TRENTON, N.J. - A New Jersey Senate committee advances a plan to give scholarships to help poor children attend out-of-town or private schools.

The Senate Economic Growth Committee released the legislation Thursday. It now must be considered by a Senate budget committee.

The plan would give tax breaks to corporations that contribute money to provide scholarships for low-income children in Camden, Elizabeth, Jersey City, Lakewood, Newark, Orange, Paterson and Trenton.

The scholarships would pay tuition at out-of-district public schools or private schools.

Sponsors say the bill would help poor children, but critics contend it would strip public schools of needed money.