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What I read was that the reason for in-state college tuition increasing so much was because of the reduction in property taxes. Typically property taxes go tow
by raiyu 6y ago
What I read was that the reason for in-state college tuition increasing so much was because of the reduction in property taxes.
Typically property taxes go towards education at the local level, and as property taxes were reduced there would be a shortfall in the budget somewhere. This typically fell on education, which then forced colleges to start raising tuition as there is still a non-zero cost to education.
There was a "print" article about this in the 70's or 80's in a local newspaper in California urging residents to vote NO on lowering property taxes citing the increase in future college education as the main reason. But the vote went through, property taxes were slashed, and then of course ten years later and so forth, tuition had sky rocketed.
Decreasing taxes is like debt. Once you are hooked on it it's hard to go back. Hard to imagine any real states or large communities raising property taxes significantly to actually reinvest in the local community.
- yardie 6y agoIn my state, FL, derives most of it's income from sales taxes and fees. Property taxes are really local, down to the county and city. > Decreasing taxes is like debt. Once you are hooked on it it's hard to go back. Well some voters see the taxes as an investment in their city and community. My city passed a referendum to back a bond to pay for climate change projects and education programs. The state passed a constitutional change that has made it virtually impossible to raise taxes. When I look at the midwest and the hollowing out of their cities I have to imagine the tax cuts partially contributed. But at the time they passed the politicians believed they would be a net positive. It's a delicate balance. Taxes too high will drive businesses away. Taxes too low will reduce communal investment and drive people away.