It never occurred to me, either, Walt. When I was growing up, (R)s were laser-focused on education because it was seen as a civilian weapon against the USSR. Math and science were valued, along with history and literacy and physical fitness. Bond issues passed easily, at least where we were lucky enough to live. Science in particular was seen as a potent weapon against the Soviets, and both parties wanted citizens to be scientifically literate. Scientific R&D funding was generous.
Contrast that with now, with an #IMPOTUSx2 who publicly derides science and scientists, who appoints a margainlly-sane anti-vaxer to head the HHS agency, who encourages his followers to distrust the CDC and other scientific and health-related entities, who has even threatened to withhold federal funds from schools that mandate vaccines for students. We are so fucked.