Florida voters have authorized two constitutionally guaranteed sources of revenue to fund the capital outlay needs of the state system of public education. These sources are motor vehicle license fees and gross receipts taxes. (Author)

Two financing plans are proposed to address needs for an allowance for poor households to fund child-care: financing from redirected existing funds; and a program of voluntary parental leave to ensure the adequacy of infant care, financed through a payroll tax increase. These proposals would help parents balance work and family obligations. (SLD)

Presents an example that illustrates the connection between taxation of private goods or services and provision of public goods or services. Demonstrates that the burdens of taxation in the private sector can in theory be offset by gains in consumer surplus in the public sector, providing a more balanced view than can be found in many introductory…

Although Superintendent Frank Petruzielo arrived with briefcase full of plans to change Houston (Texas) school district, he spent his first year reworking his ideas in consultation with district teachers and administrators. He ignored school budget brokering that had occurred between previous school boards and business establishment, won 32%…

The breakdown or "dumbing down" occurring in today's public schools stems not from poorer teaching but from poorer parenting. The parents most responsible for making public school a priority were goaded by memories of the Great Depression. As prosperity increased, parental attitudes have changed. Citizens of some states (like Indiana)…

The decade from 1987 to 1997 saw two unsuccessful attempts to reform Illinois's school finance system from a constitutional perspective. In 1997, prospective reforms will probably be limited by partisanship, revenues and anti-tax sentiment, regional antipathies, fragmentation, and pressures for property tax relief. (MLH)

Last year, Louisville, KY, grew overnight from the country's 64th largest city to the 16th largest, the result of the merger of the city with Jefferson County. Pittsburgh and Buffalo, NY, are among other communities discussing city-county mergers. Many smaller communities are considering merging services, such as police and fire, or consolidating…

The problems of tax limitations are illustrated by the effect of Proposition 13 on California's school systems. Changes in the tax structure caused the school system to cut summer programs; adult education; and special, small courses. This article discusses reasons behind this proposition and describes results. (DF)

Analyzes three post-reform years in school finance in Minnesota (1973, 1979, and 1982) by examining approaches to equity in the use of foundation revenue and foundation aid, and in the corresponding tax rates. Finds that legislative and local alterations in the original finance reforms have increased revenue disparities among districts. (JW)

Reviews the school finance reforms in Ohio since 1975 and analyzes the state aid distribution, comparative distribution of state and local revenue, and equalization of property tax revenues. Discusses the options available to the Ohio legislature to approach distribution equity for funds currently in the system. (JW)

Reviews the United States' fiscal situation and the outlook for local, state, and federal government support of education. Focuses on the impact of decentralization of education financing under a conservative government and on the influence of federal budget deficits on school finance. Includes suggestions for educators in seeking financial…

Describes the structure and scope of California's public postsecondary education system and discusses: (1) recurrent education within this system; (2) the recent "taxpayers' revolt"; (3) the impact of Proposition 13 on recurrent education; and (4) the difficulties faced by recurrent education because of new public expenditure priorities…

Contrasts the arguments of economists who measure the value of library services to society by business standards with the criteria of "the public good" which predominated during the development of public libraries and argues that libraries must continue to serve the whole community. Twenty references are cited. (RAA)

Individual student data have been developed for both public education benefits (expenditures) and costs (taxes paid) for a sample of senior high school students. The results indicate a redistributive pattern that is propoor, pro-Black (for high income Blacks), and promale. Available from Executive Director, NTA-TIA, 21 East State Street, Columbus,…

Explores two alternatives to the local school property tax: a power equalizing property tax and a statewide tax. Compares effects on tax burdens and service levels for 13 cities in San Diego County. Available from American Journal of Economics and Sociology, 50 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021; sc $3.00. (Author/JM)