Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

Our schools have weathered 7 budget cuts since 2008, and have trimmed the fat from the budget. Districts are now having to choose which primary programs to drop and which additional schools to close, while education standards are on the rise. At a time when the state was suffering from an economic downturn and revenues were lagging, everyone was expected to tighten their belts and share the sacrifice. However, with revenues on the upswing and significant ending balances in state coffers, to commit to a tax cut package sure to force more cuts is a self-inflicted wound which severely limits our ability to meet the constitutional obligation to fund schools and prepare our youth for the 21st century job market that awaits.

This isn't a one-size-fits-all approach -- I support reasonable ending balances to ensure we have a soft landing for unforeseen events, as well as tax incentives which help grow business and revive our economy. However, schools have seen a disproportionate share of cuts. The rationale used to make those cuts was the economic hardship. With our economy showing signs of recovery, a pending Supreme Court decision regarding school finance and an ending balance which could provide increased money for our schools, it is irresponsible to break the bank with further tax cuts and not restore funds to the educational programs which drive economic growth.

I contributed to the Kansas PTA MythBusters series, developed in response to misleading and inaccurate ads/statements about the Kansas public schools. The MythBusters series is an informative bi-partisan resource for parents and patrons alike.

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