Caoedhen
Favorite Answer
The state (at any level) cannot give anything that it first does not take from the citizens. The state has no resources other than what it collects from the citizens for the privilege of governing them.
You cannot increase one budget item without first taking that amount away from another budget item. I will be the first to say there are plenty of budget items that have no place being paid for by the state, and many more that are vastly overfunded to the detriment of actual useful budget items.
Those that scream for the state's workers to be paid minimum wage with no retirement... that is not a solution. You pay minimum wage, you get minimum wage quality. You have no benefits? Why would anyone work for the state? If you think state services are bad now, imagine how well it would work with all current employees replaced with McDonalds workers.
Anyway... there isn't an easy answer to the question. I wouldn't look to the state legislature for help, unfortunately, because that is where the help really needs to come from.
oldprof
Building affordable houses open only to teachers; so they can live close to the schools they teach in. It was common practice in the 1920s for companies to build homes for their employees and families to live in. Seems to me that practice can be revived to advantage for the teachers.
They get low to no rent to pay. Live within walking distance of the school they teach in. And have neighbors with common interests. And the houses are counted as pay to the teachers without actually raising their pay.
glenbarrington
That money has to come from somewhere.
Anonymous
I say pay teachers for the jobs you want then to perform. Sometimes that can include military and police work, babysitters, raising your children for you and teaching them the curriculum as laid down by the state.
Anonymous
Increase taxes for people who have kids in public schools