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900 W. Main St.,
PO Box 690 Grangeville, ID 83530
Phone: 208.983.1200 |
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| Funding methods are unconstitutional |
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| Letter - Vogelsong |
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Dumb! I assumed the legislature was aware that forcing any public school to finance its own needs is illegal (unconstitutional). The Idaho Supreme Court declared so in 2005. The court, certain the legislature would accept its constitutional responsibilities to provide a thorough and complete free education to Idaho students, retained jurisdiction without enforcement. The legislature is not likely to comply. Why?
In a recent political meeting I asked two legislators. Both answered saying the levy system "is not really unconstitutional." They believe that. I asked one of the legislators if he had read the Supreme Court decision. He had not. I asked several others running for the legislature the same question: same answer. Here's the confusion: The court decision does not say that all override levies and/or bond issues are unconstitutional. In plain language it states these present methods are unconstitutional "as they relate to school facilities." This is not understood.
One legislator answered, "The state doesn't need more money." That's absurd (if they properly fund education, highways, etc.). Suspend sales tax exemptions for two years, add services, give schools back the three percent they originally had, review exemptions asking "why should you not support our schools?," act accordingly.
C.M. "Chuck" Vogelsong
Riggins
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