Proposed state constitutional amendments 5-7-9 would eliminate one of the main funding sources for public education – the required local effort property tax -- that generates billions of dollars a year for public schools. These amendments would also reinstate vouchers and eliminate restrictions on using taxpayers’ money to support private and religious schools.
All three proposed state constitutional amendments contain major unknown elements that would not become apparent until after passage, including a comparable alternative source for education funding; where taxpayers’ money would be diverted by the voucher proposal; and how private and religious schools would be held accountable for the tax money they potentially would receive.
Public education is already funded in Florida at 50th in the nation – dead last! State funding cuts for public education over the past two years have caused many school districts to lay off employees – including teachers – and cut educational programs. The proposed state constitutional amendments 5-7-9 combined with Florida’s current last place standing in the nation in per pupil state funding for public education are seriously shortchanging our children’s educations.
Broward County Public Schools earned district-wide ‘A’ grades from the state in 2006 and 2008 based on the performance of its students. This stellar achievement happened despite chronic under-funding from the state and persistent unfunded and under-funded state mandates relating to class size reduction and accountability requirements.
The proposed state constitutional amendments 5-7-9 are slated to be on the November 4th ballot. Now that you know the facts, you should be in a good position to make an informed decision regarding these proposed measures on behalf of the children of Florida.
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