We should not be segregating our youth by the grades they make in high school. Yet that is exactly what Riley's tax plan does.

Unless a student maintains a "B" average they will not qualify to have their tuition paid for by the state, no matter how bad their teachers, nor how poor their high school. Even if a student with a "C" average scores well enough on standardized achievement tests to go to college, they will not benefit from the tax their parents paid year after year.

What will this mean for low income families who can not afford to live in the best communities with the best teachers and schools, to send their children to private schools or pay for private tutors? Across the board it will probably mean that if you are poor or black your children will not have equal educational opportunity, even if they make a passing grade.

If the state of Alabama is going to tax everyone and offer to pay college tuition, that opportunity should be offered to all high school graduates. Otherwise the benefits go to the white, upper middle class and rich families who do not need the benefit as they can already afford to send their kids to college.

This is a prime example of how Gov. Riley's tax package is prejudicial and discriminatory. It does not represent nor serve all the people equally and is therefore unfair, unbalanced and unconscionable!

Instead of taxing us to death, our state government needs to tighten it belt, clean up its act and stop wasting money. Then simply pass a bill requiring public education for all students. This would solve the educational funding problem with the stroke of a pen as all the money and resources which now pours into private schools would go into public education.

Sincerely,
Terry Lynch
Date: 22 August 2003

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