Okay, so we all realize that the current system of funding public education in Texas hasn't, and doesn't work. The "Rainy Day" fund won't fund what's needed. So what are the other options besides cuts? In yesterday's Star-Telegram, Jimmy DeFoor of Bedford wrote an opinion column, proposing a 3% flat rate state income tax. The article states that the Texas Constitution allows a state income tax only to fund primary and secondary public education and that 2/3 of the proceeds be given to the school districts. In return, each district is required to reduce it's M&O levy (Maintenance & Operations) by the same amount given in income tax proceeds. He says that "...a 3 percent income tax on all taxable incomes will fix the current school financing problem permanently while also cutting school property taxes significantly". Further, he states that a flat income tax rate is "efficient" (easy to administer & audit), "effective" (revenue will grow as population grows), and "equitable" because the tax burden to each person would relatively equal his/her ability to pay.
What do you think?
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