Taxpayers shouldn’t fund driver ed

The Herald printed an article on Jan. 13 stating the actual cost of driver education for each student is $1,061. The article went on to say that the state will pay only $250 per student unless a waiver is granted. If this waiver is not granted the schools will be short (per the article) $70,000. Take a wild guess where the extra funds will probably come from: our pockets, of course!

I am sick and tired of the schools thinking my fixed income is an open checkbook for them to raid in the form of higher taxes whenever they see fit. I am all for my taxes going to support the three R’s, but paying so your kid can learn how to drive? You’ve got to be kidding me.

If parents can’t pay the actual cost, too bad. Let kids earn money for driver ed the old fashioned way — work for it. Take a bus or ride your bike to a job or, heaven forbid, walk! Jobs are scarce, I do understand that. But, believe me, when I saw all the snow on my driveway this morning I would have gladly paid a kid $20 to shovel it.

Carrie L. Brooks

Mount Prospect