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I've heard an argument that schools are supposed to pay for themselves. The idea is that people who go to school end up in a higher tax bracket, so it's an inv
by jrockway 3y ago
I've heard an argument that schools are supposed to pay for themselves. The idea is that people who go to school end up in a higher tax bracket, so it's an investment, not merely public good. Similar arguments are made for parks and recreation; more open space, less noise, so less stress-induced heart attacks, which means more years being a taxpayer.
I think this is a toxic way of thinking of things, but I guess it allows even the most greedy politician to live with himself for not opposing schools.
- AnthonyMouse 3y agoBut then you can make the same argument about transit. It facilitates people coming into the city to engage in taxable activities.
- mikepurvis 3y agoExactly— that's a "diffuse" benefit, and indeed the same logic that most of the world also applies to healthcare, though introducing that to a US-centric discussion just muddies the waters, for obvious reasons.