A School Funding Solution Coming From Two Parents

02/26/2005

Paul Munnis

We spoke with a young couple from a nearby community yesterday who raised an interesting proposition. “Why not end the Minnesota property tax refund and use it to pay for Minnesota Public Schools and as a dedicated fund?”

Interesting question there for sure.

It’s revenue neutral and it fits the Governors criteria. It’s enough money to do the job. It’s not so much money to an individual homeowner as to be a big swinger. Higher costs of schools demand new revenue sources.

Hmmmm… they might just have a good idea there.

The small town they live in is already looking at large property tax increases as a result of State cuts. This proposal doesn’t take any more money out of their pockets, it just doesn’t put any money back.

It keeps up with inflation too since home property values increase annually.

We asked them, How would you apportion it? The answer was on a straight per capita basis but amount adjusted by community just as the current Minnesota Property Tax refund is calculated.

We didn’t go any further not being in the business of trying to write language for a Bill.

These folks made their point. The money is there to fund our schools it’s a matter of political will power.