By the way, the "democratic" vote in favor of a tax, was to fund education: something that is very much in need of funding in Alabama.
But wait a minute. We (the state) passed the rainy day fund amendment in 08 for that cause. It was going to put an end to proration in the state of Alabama and the schools would have a fund to dip into in order to fund education if there were shortages in funding. $250 million can be taken out which has to be paid back in 5 years. Which is already completely dry, btw.......wait, where is that going to come from?
I will admit that I believe that our education funding needs help. I want that. I don't want my taxes raised in order for the state to waste it. I had a chance to look at the education funding (line item, btw) and you would be pissed at how much money is in there not going to education.
A few examples: $2 million to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Muscle Shoals. The Alabama Music Hall of Fame Museum received an additional $500K. Take that shit from donation or put it in the general funds. I forgot the name of the private school that received $4 million of state educational money. A private school receiving public funds?
Those two might not seem like much, but every little bit helps and I would like to see it cleaned up first. Then if they still can't make budget, then we will talk about raising taxes. I for one am sick of politicians telling me they need to raise taxes to fund something and try to lay the guilt trip on me about it. How about clean up your act, cut where it's not needed and spend within your means? What a novel idea! Next time you get to talk to your state rep, ask him/her if he/she voted yes on giving him/herself a 70% pay raise with tax payers money and how much that could have benefited the education budget.
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