VALDOSTA —
The Georgia General Assembly is still debating the budget — the one where millions of dollars have to be cut from programs due to budget shortfalls, due largely to decreased spending due to a large unemployment rate, mortgage default rate, etc.
The state is in a pickle. And those in charge of this process continue to offer tax incentives and propose new programs while not being able to figure out how to pay for all of the ones they currently have.
But it’s time for everyone to get a grip.
Georgia needs revenue. The state is only going to get this revenue from increasing taxes somewhere. Should it be on smokers by adding a $1-per-pack tax? Should it be on non-profit hospitals already facing cuts in Medicaid spending and increased numbers of indigent patients? Should it come from taxpayers who can barely afford their house payments let alone an increase in property taxes?
And while the state is debating the merits of individual programs, seemingly aimed largely at the education arena, untapped revenue continues to flow from our state. Although national Internet retailers are recoiling at the suggestion that sales taxes be paid on purchases, perhaps it’s time to start looking at this as a source of revenue.
Sell the state’s fleet of planes. Sell the helicopters. Raise money like ordinary citizens are having to raise money — by doing away with luxuries to pay for necessities.
Education is a necessity. A new domed football stadium for the Falcons is not.
Teachers are a necessity. A new College Football Hall of Fame is not.
We recommend legislators do the math now while they still can. The next generation will have gone through so many cuts to education, they may not be able to.
What We Think
What we think: Do the math
- What We Think
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Leaving NCLB behind
Georgia schools may be sighing in relief today, following the announcement that the U.S. Department of Education granted a waiver to the state, along with nine others, from the rigorous requirements of the No Child Left Behind act.
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Don’t jettison landmark
While we respect the request to relocate the F-86 aircraft from outside Mathis City Auditorium to the new Moody Air Force Base Airpark, we would hope the city and MAFB would reconsider moving it.
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Shame in Berrien County
Unfortunately for Sherrie Williams of the Berrien County school-based health clinic, she talked to The Times and praised the program that she oversees. This pride in her work led to the loss of her job.
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Grading policy: A second chance?
In clarifying the Lowndes County Schools’ controversial grading policy, Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith spoke of second chances.
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Be up to any weather challenge
Georgia’s Severe Weather Awareness Week starts today and runs through Friday. The idea behind the week is to prepare Georgians for weather emergencies and how to keep these situations from becoming tragedies.
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Parents and schools
There is a lot of talk lately about school systems and grading policies, and how all of a child's problems come back to a lack of parenting. But is it really that simple? Can it be a case where the school systems are so focused on the problem few that the majority of students are ignored?
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Brooks County High School engineering and technology teacher Don Morgan and his students. They recently received national attention for their work with biodiesel fuel. They collect used cooking oil from area fast-food restaurants then process this oil into biodiesel. Morgan hopes to next interest the Brooks County school buses into running on the fuel created in his class. This classroom not only prepares students for the future but may prepare all of us for an alternative energy source.
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Take me out to the ball park
The Valdosta State baseball season begins today. The Blazers host Lindenwood at 2:30 p.m. Nothing beats quality baseball played in warm weather with a great venue like Billy Grant Field.
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What We Think: Signing Day
Wednesday was National Signing Day, the day when high school athletes across the country make official announcements about what school they’ve chosen to sign with.
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School policy fails expectations
Lowndes County Schools recently implemented new grading guidelines for students. These guidelines have left many parents upset ...
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Leaving NCLB behind
