Most Texans would rather sell a favorite horse than vote for a tax hike that promises bigger government. Yet San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro has not only persuaded his constituents to spend $248 million to pay for an unusual and ambitious preschool program for poor 4-year-olds, but he is also going to open doors in August--a mere nine months after…

The purpose of this article was to present the results of a study that analyzed Pennsylvania local school boards' taxing authority, pre- and post-enactment of Special Session Act 1, "The Taxpayer Relief Act," in 2006, in terms of its percent share of school districts' total budget in order to better understand the impact of the new…

This study projects estimates of changes in State tax patterns resulting from the implementation of a modified foundation grant and a percentage equalizing grant. The resulting estimates show increased progressivity of the State tax structure under both types of grants. (Author)

State assumption of all responsibility for financing education would enhance equalization of educational opportunity, fix accountability for educational finance with the governor and the State legislature, accelerate measurement of student achievement, eliminate burdensome property taxes, and undercut the fiscal logic that now supports…

First of a series; provides an examination of public education's current financial plight and offers seven immediate reforms. (Author)

A consultant staff was selected to assist the Select Committee in its search for reform alternatives to achieve more equitable and efficient arrangements for financing and organizing educational services in California. The consultant staff describes here the problems facing California's school finance system and provides some recommendations. The…

There exists a clearly and amply documented need for an alternative to the property tax as a means of supporting public education, and many fiscal experts have expressed themselves in favor of the municipal income tax as a recourse. This analysis attempts to demonstrate that since additional revenues are needed for local governments and an…

This paper discusses the implications for State educational finance of the recent Serrano vs Priest decision and tries to clarify the exact meaning of the Serrano case. It notes that the use of property taxes for financing schools is not barred by the decision. Rather, the case expresses the principle of neutrality -- the level of spending for a…

Describes the financial plight of the Toledo schools, which have closed twice in two years, and the factors that contribute to that plight. (IRT)

Analysis of figures nationwide indicates that local school districts have reduced their reliance on property taxes while states have increased support for schools. However, states face serious fiscal problems, and the property tax system should be reviewed in light of the need for more local support for schools. (MJL)

A study of Colorado tax allocation examined the feasibility of replacing the present system for financing education with a state income tax system. Further study is recommended, but indications are that an equitable distribution of financial assistance would result in better educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged counties.…