Governor LePage Proclaims July 31 as Milton Friedman Day

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Contact: Adrienne Bennett (207) 287-2531

Governor LePage Proclaims July 31 as Milton Friedman Day

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul LePage proclaimed July 31, 2012, as “Milton Friedman Day” to commemorate the 100th birthday of Milton Friedman (1912-2006), the well-known economist who proposed school choice vouchers in his 1955 article, “The Role of Government in Education.”

Maine’s educational goals align with Friedman’s vision: all children should have the right to the highest-quality schools possible. Research suggests that providing children with multiple schooling options improves academic performance.

Friedman and his wife established the Milton and Rose D. Friedman Foundation in 1996 to promote all parents being able to choose the best learning environments for their children. This year marks the fifth annual Friedman Legacy for Freedom Day, as celebrated by the Friedman Foundation to honor the impact he had on our society. Friedman’s ideas have also helped lead to positive education reform in countries such as Chile and Sweden.

Friedman was the recipient of the 1976 Nobel Prize for Economic Science, taught at universities throughout the world, and published many notable books and articles.

“We are striving to put students first and help them gain access to the best educational opportunities possible,” Gov. LePage said. “Today’s commemoration is a reminder of one more strong voice in support of solutions that support families and students when it comes to education.”

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