Dear Editor:

Growing up, we took it for granted schools were being built for all children free of charge to their parents. Free public schools (K-12) are funded wholly by government collected property, sales, and income taxes.

These tax-supported schools are controlled by a local governmental authority — usually state, city, or school district. The government’s tax dollar investment was understood to produce a competitive advantage of employees able to work and create success for business owners. The breadth of instruction served business and individuals well as the product industry grew through invention. Government control resulted in efficient methods and the lowest tax dollar expenditures for success. U.S. commitment to expanded education past age 14 set us apart from Europe for most of the 20th century. Amazingly a conservative congress passed the GI bill making college possible for millions as Uncle Sam paid tuition and living expenses. Thank you GOP! The federal budget has supported other education programs and today provides 2 percent of its budget on education.

The tax structure of every state varies, with Maine’s revenues flowing primarily at higher rates to the state, which prompted the agreement of state support for local K-12 education and state colleges and universities. The cost of education to all towns of varying property values meant discriminatory funding of public education. After state failure to meet their agreed 55 percent funding, the people, under legislative democracy, proposed Question 2 that would guarantee receipt of the 55 percent funding to maintain a more competitive employee base and reduce property taxes to a reasonably fairer level.

Since the people seek a fair tax system, Question 2 included a solution to cover the 55 percent state funding through introducing a 3 percent tax on income above $200,000. The math works and the fairness works since 75 percent of Maine households earn less, but are paying more taxes. Democracy worked through the people with a majority vote in agreement. More voters favored Question 2 than are currently sitting in the State House. It seems ill advised for legislators who did not solve the 55 percent problem to spend more tax dollars to undo the will of the people.

Jarryl Larson

Edgecomb