FISCAL ISSUES
State, national deficits prompt a tax debate
In response to the Dec. 6 article "State faces a projected $1.1 billion shortfall," it is good to see that Minnesota is closing the budget gap, but there needs to be a specific plan to give money back to education.
Education is an essential part of being a good citizen. The ability to adequately read, write and think critically are important to living in today's society.
Furthermore, putting money back into the education system is important for helping college students deal with rising costs of tuition. In the 2012-2013 academic year, national college tuition rates increased by 4 percent to 5 percent, according to InternationalStudentLoan.com.
I know from experience that increases in tuition rates make it difficult for families to make payments for college. Further increases in tuition will close the door for more individuals who wish to attain a higher education.
It is important to try to reach a balanced budget, but it is also very important that we keep educational opportunities open to everyone. Further funding for student aid should be one of the many priorities that the Legislature will have to focus on.
CAMERON MICHELSEN, ST. PETER, MINN.
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The article on the $1.1 billion shortfall appears to be priming Minnesotans for a tax increase. When you read the whole article, however, it turns out that the state is actually projecting a surplus of $1.3 billion in 2013, which will then be used to pay down the $2.4 billion that was borrowed from public schools, leaving $1.1 billion still left to be paid back to the schools. The $2.4 billion resulted when legislators in 2009 pushed payments to the public schools into 2010 in order to balance the budget in 2009. The Legislature then did the same in 2010 and 2011.