Fund schools with sales tax

I see where the issue of inequities in funding of public education is getting another look at.

Being able to afford to live in your home or buy a home is not discretionary spending. It's a necessity. The current method of funding schools through property taxes is making housing less and less affordable in Illinois. The problem will only get worse.

This isn't necessarily a new idea, but perhaps now is the time to relook at funding education through a sales tax versus property tax. This would spread the costs across all people in Illinois (legally here and otherwise). If considered too regressive for the poor, make necessities like food exempt.

Eliminating the school tax from property taxes would make existing mortgages more affordable. Reduced property taxes would presumably also stimulate the housing market.

Establish standard curriculum in all public schools and provide equal funding on a per-student basis based on that curriculum. Allow local school districts to make decisions regarding funding of nonstandard curriculum offerings through local referendums, enabling citizens to decide if they want to pay extra for a sculling team or whatever.

Sure seems to make more sense than the current method. Just a thought.

Steve Gohmann

Huntley