The real estate tax burden on homeowners to support public schools is unsustainable. It is time for structural change in our tax system. Our political leadership has not had the spine to address school funding. Example, my pusillanimous state senator, Dan Feltes, a candidate for governor, has taken the “Pledge” so will not support a fair broad-based tax.
The answer to school funding cannot be found in the courts via Claremont litigation. The Legislature must take responsibility. The Legislature must pass a graduated income tax to fund the aggregate per-student school operating costs. The tax receipts must be distributed to school districts based upon student population without political manipulation.
Property taxes will be reduced downward pro rata dollar for dollar based upon the income tax receipts. Towns and cities must band together to press for this legislation.
ARTHUR B. CUNNINGHAM
Hopkinton