TC Palm Editorial: It's pretty clear in St. Lucie that lawmakers violate pledge for 'high quality education'
Editorial Board
Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers
Mar 29, 2009
Florida is on the verge of a constitutional crisis as lawmakers continue to slash funding for public education.
The lack of state financial support has struck particularly hard in St. Lucie County, where officials will slice $23 million from this year's budget and anticipate a cut of an additional $30 million — or more — in fiscal 2010.
"Loss of state support for education is requiring us to dismantle education," Superintendent Michael Lannon told Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers editorial board.
The "dismantling" of education is contrary to requirements of the state Constitution. Each lawmaker in Tallahassee takes an oath to "support, protect and defend" the U.S. Constitution and the state Constitution. The state Constitution requires that the state — the Legislature — provide a free and "high quality" public education system.
But, that's not happening and the situation is getting worse. Although funding has increased in recent years, U.S. Census figures show the state ranks 41st in the nation in per pupil funding and last in per pupil funding compared to income.
Money alone doesn't guarantee a quality education. Nevertheless, the state still ranks poorly in test results and graduation rates compared to other states. The bottom line: For whatever reason, too many young people are not receiving the "high quality" education that is supposedly guaranteed in the state Constitution.
In Tallahassee, the cry of "no more taxes" — even as Florida faces multibillion dollars in deficits — emanates in the Capitol's halls. No one likes to pay taxes, but the anti-tax zealots should remind themselves that, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Tax Foundation, Florida ranks 47th in local and state tax burden compared to other states. That's the 2008 ranking, a drop from 45th the previous few years.
Florida touts itself as business friendly. The Tax Foundation also reports the state ranks fifth best in the nation for its business tax climate.
Friendly to businesses, but the state continues to be unfriendly to education and to children. Who do legislators think will be the work force for those businesses if the workers of tomorrow are undereducated? How can that be seen as business friendly?
Florida, like the rest of the nation, is suffering from a recession. And, there can be some sympathy for lawmakers as they try to balance the budget. But, that does not authorize members of the Legislature to violate their oath of office, trample the state Constitution, deny a high-quality education to the state's children and risk the state's economic future.
If the lawmakers don't change their priorities and their attitudes, Lannon warned, "We're going to become a Third World country here in Florida. People should consider leaving Florida for their children."
Lannon is angry. Everyone who cares about Florida should also be angry and let their elected representatives know so, he said.
"If the Legislature doesn't hear from enough people, they won't do anything."