Expanded School Sinking Fund Taxes : Infrastructure Investment, or Backtracking on Proposal A? / Patrick L. Anderson, Scott D. Watkins and Ilhan K. Geckil.
In 1994, Michigan voters approved Proposal A, which reduced school property taxes, increased the sales tax, and established a per-pupil funding guarantee for public schools. This report describes the effects of Proposal A and challenges to it. Since Proposal A was implemented, funding for schools ha...
Main Authors: | |
---|---|
Corporate Author: | |
Language: | English |
Published: |
[Place of publication not identified] :
Distributed by ERIC Clearinghouse,
2002.
|
Subjects: | |
Genre: | |
Physical Description: | 36 pages |
Format: | Microfilm Book |
Summary: |
In 1994, Michigan voters approved Proposal A, which reduced school property taxes, increased the sales tax, and established a per-pupil funding guarantee for public schools. This report describes the effects of Proposal A and challenges to it. Since Proposal A was implemented, funding for schools has grown substantially while property taxes have fallen, as promised. However, school districts have levied additional taxes, resulting in a millage-rate growth of over 60 percent in 6 years. Michigan legislators continue to explore ways to increase the taxing powers of local school districts beyond those allowed by Proposal A. One proposal would allow districts to use "sinking-fund" taxes to pay costs that go beyond their intended use. To better understand the impact of such legislation on taxpayers, this report simulated the effects of increased school sinking-fund taxes over a 10-year period and found a substantial tax increase. As a result, the report presents the following options for Michigan policymakers: (1) retain Proposal A; (2) consider regional taxes; (3) prohibit "double dipping"; (4) tighten allowable purposes for debt millage; (5) expand charter schools; and (6) insist on better management. (Contains nine charts and graphs, and photocopies of state documents itemizing Proposal A.) (WFA) |
---|---|
Note: | Availability: Anderson Economic Group, 615 West Ionia Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Tel: 517-374-2596; Fax: 517-487-9097; Web site: www.AndersonEconomicGroup.com. For full text: http://www.andersoneconomicgroup.com/Projects/schools/sinkingfund/FINAL_sinkingfund.pdf. ERIC Note: Prepared for the Michigan Chamber Foundation. Microform. |
Call Number: | ED468340 Microfiche |
Reproduction Note: |
Microfiche. [Washington D.C.]: ERIC Clearinghouse microfiches : positive. |