I have been patiently awaiting this news story...
And much to my surprise, it came this morning.
As much as the Indiana State Teachers Union says they support property tax reform, they don't want their funding touched.
According to this morning's Indy Star, the ISTA "supports in the various property tax reform plans, including Daniels'...".
Here's what got me: we support property tax reform, but don't take our funding away but eliminating school funding from property tax.
The Teachers Union wants the legislature to reject proposals for the state to cover all of school general operating costs rather than property taxpayers, saying doing so threatens the stability of public school funding.
Nate Schnellenberger, president of ISTA, said property taxes are a stable source of revenue. In an economic downturn, both income and sales tax revenue can slump, leaving the legislature with no easy way to continue funding education.
So how does the ISTA propose to fix all this?
The ISTA said, the state could achieve the property tax cuts sought by picking up half of school transportation and capital projects funding, which they said are growing faster, and therefore causing property taxes to grow faster, than school general funds.
So the state covers the buses and building projects. I see. But when it comes to new buildings for schools, that's the state's problem. The ISTA doesn't want the public to have a voice in that either. They oppose any sort of public referendum on major building projects.
Buses and gas, steel and lumber are more expensive now. That cost is rising. That's why property taxes are going up.
So, in essense, it's like the ISTA stepping up and taking responsbility for the recent property tax increases?? HHmmmm....
They say all of this is about stable funding. And hey, stable funding is important.
EVERYONE is for property tax reform. A growing number now supports property tax elimination. Heck, I think most teachers in this state would support that too. But as Indiana tries to pull away from their reliability on property taxes, the most powerful Union in this state hsa decided to flex their muscle and get involved.
In my opinion, they will dictate to Pat Bauer (as they have for years to him) just how they want things to go. After all, they are the largest contributor to Demmie politicians.
Look at it this way:
The ISTA cannot educate our kids properly. But they think that they can tell the state the best way to get their funding taken care of.
That's like a Home Ec teacher teaching Gym class for the day.
(Oh, I'm sorry; a Family Consumer Affairs Instructor educating a Health and Physical Education course...)
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