by Bill Huff
Local school boards find them themselves “in a pickle” as Rep Holcombe described, but it is likely not of their own doing. I can’t speak for the other 3 towns in Windsor Orange 2 House District but after finally receiving the school report yesterday and attending an info session last night at TES, it appears that both schools here in Thetford have been able to hold budget increases to a minimum in a horrible economic environment. Why then are school tax rates increasing over 30% in Thetford? For starters, 30% or more is the good news. Prior to H850 the rate was going to be about 46%. The bad news, for some surrounding towns, is they are going to have to make up what our district towns have been “discounted.” The other bad news is barring any drastic changes soon, school tax rates are likely to double over the next five years according to Rep Holcombe.
Rep Holcombe described it as a group going out to dinner and some ordering a burger and a case of beer wile others order a salad and water but everybody splits the check equally. I think we can all agree how unfair that sounds but it was sold as equal education funding. Several times last night it was instead called “combating poverty.” Under Act 127, school funding is now become a social welfare program. More of MY money is now OUR money for the legislature to redistribute. I have always been in favor of a strong social safety net for those that need it, however equality these days is simply a plan to make us all poor.
Legislators became drunk on Federal Covid dollars and are desperate for the binge to continue leaving the hangover headache for constituents to deal with. Rep Holcombe vowed to fix the problem. What she didn’t say, is the “fix” is to raise more taxes in order to “buy down” the education fund. Not to find savings or spend less, only to find more revenue. Considering Vermont schools are amongst the most top heavy in the country, consideration should be given to right sizing school administration, particularly at the very top.
Last night’s discussion soon turned to finding an alternative to a real estate tax to fund our schools. A bill in play this year would “tax the rich” although the top 1% already pay nearly half the taxes collected. Remember that doesn’t lower the taxes for any of the rest of us, it is simply more money that can be spent. Another bill would tax assets even before gains were realized. Are they going to give my taxes back when the value of my asset falls? I’m afraid we are moving in a direction where income will be taxed. Those with the ability to pay, will pay more. Wealthy people don’t work for wages like the rest of us. Consequently,” income” for tax purposes, is easily, legally manipulated. The unintended consequence would be the wealthy would actually pay less, leaving the blue-collar middle class holding the bag once again.
We will be asked to support our schools and our students by accepting the increases. Those that can, probably will vote yes. There are many however, that simply cannot afford it, especially if rates double over the next five years. This has been coming for years and yet we continue to elect the same individuals to represent us. We repeatedly shoot ourselves in the foot and seemingly enjoy it.