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Is This “Smart Growth” In Sheep’s Clothing?
9 February 2007Could it be the Gov’s budget will help pave the way for “smart growth”? By shifting the funding for education from the local level (code word for property tax) to the state level (code word for income tax) the control over funding of schools becomes a state wide issue and less of a local issue. In other words…….while you can button hole your selectmen at the town dump and voice your displeasure……it is a lot more difficult to express yourself to your state representatives. By moving funding for schools from the town to state level you will give up control of your pocket book to the lobbyists and unions that run the state government.
Critics have long said the existing method of funding schools places too much of the burden on local property taxes, straining municipal school budgets and leading, in some cases, to tax revolts (editor’s note: tax revolts = local citizens having the bad taste to question where their money is spent, how droll!). After five years, Rell’s plan aims to bring state and local costs of public education to an equal 50-50 share - a long sought but elusive goal.
It was not immediately clear how the governor’s proposals, which would amount to a landmark shift in the state’s support for public schools, would be received in the legislature.
“Smart Growth” is the new code word for “regionalism” which is the old code word for “making the suburbs pay for the cities”. Some in our state government have even gone as far to suggest that moving out of the cities should be taxed. A taxed based on moving, a tax based on trying to better your life and the lives of your family. You can’t make this stuff up.
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