DeYoung-Smith: Legislature has to create stable school funding plan
April 3, 2010 - From the Lansing State Journal.com
And, yes, taxes must be part of the conversation
We are at a critical crossroads in Michigan. There is no question that our state's economic situation is bleak, even bleaker than in the rest of the country, and our public education is suffering because of it. Parents and concerned citizens are deeply disturbed with the drastic cuts that have been made to public education in Michigan.
It is time for the Legislature to take action, so that all children receive the education they deserve.
The 70,000 members of the Michigan Parent Teacher Student Association are committed to ensuring that all children in Michigan receive a quality education. That means education funding must be secure.
The $165 per student budget cut this year is unacceptable. Estimates for the 2010-2011 school year project cuts more than double that amount (when combining budget cuts with increases in retirement
costs). There are dozens of school districts at risk of bankruptcy if we do not find solutions now. And most importantly, our children will not receive the education they require if serious changes are not
made.
The Michigan PTSA is calling on the state legislature to make education funding its top priority. Parents are frustrated with the lack of commitment to this crisis by our elected officials. The Legislature has a responsibility to find solutions to the shortfall in the School Aid Fund.
We are calling on all parties to make compromises, in order to restore funding for our schools. All options must be considered, including new revenues and reforms. This issue must be placed above
political differences, and addressed with open minds.
The budget deficit for the School Aid Fund is estimated at $410 million for the next fiscal year. A recent report by the Citizens Research Council of Michigan points out, that "the major state tax
revenue source for the School Aid Fund, the sales tax, does not apply to a large and growing segment of consumption activity in the state, thus failing to respond equally to overall economic growth." Expanding the base sales tax to include many consumer services, at a rate of 5.5 percent, must be given serious consideration by the Legislature.
Everyone in Michigan will need to be a part of the solution to the education funding crisis. The Michigan PTSA recognizes the sacrifices that teachers and school district employees have already
made, in response to the ongoing shortfall in education funding. We respect their commitment to our children, and their dedication to education.
Unfortunately, more sacrifices will need to be made to avoid loss of teaching jobs and increased class sizes, and to ensure that a comprehensive quality public education is made available to all children.
It is imperative for the future of Michigan that our children receive an excellent education. There is no greater investment during an economic recession, than in our future workforce. Failure to educate the
current generation is not an option; it must be our top priority.
We can be optimistic for the future - of our children and of Michigan - but only if we work together to resolve this problem now.
Additional Facts
Mary DeYoung-Smith of Royal Oak is president of the Michigan Parent Teacher Student Association.
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