10/23/2006

Proposal 5

Debate over education funding heats up

LANSING (AP) — The list of organizations and politicians opposing a November ballot proposal that would give public schools, community colleges and universities automatic funding increases each year is a long one.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce and several business groups are against the measure, called Proposal 5. So are dozens of organizations representing police officers, firefighters, and social services and health care providers. Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm and her Republican challenger, Dick DeVos, are both opposed to the proposal. Opponents worry it would force a hefty tax increase or cause widespread cuts to other government services.

But none of that sways Patricia Alderman, of Lansing, who says the politicians who talk about education as a top priority should back up their claims with more cash.

"I think it's only fair that schools get the money they need," said Alderman, an employee with the Middle Cities Education Association. "They've fallen behind so often and for so many years. They need the guarantee to be able to stay on an even keel. We need to fund the programs in our schools in order for them to succeed, and therefore for the community to succeed."

Although school and university funding is scheduled to increase in the fiscal year that began Oct. 1, education funding had been stagnant or declining in recent years because of Michigan's sluggish economy. Schools have had to make midyear budget cuts in some cases.

The state currently spends about $15 billion a year on K-12 school aid, community colleges and universities.

The wording on the November ballot tells voters the measure would add $565 million to current funding levels. The nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency this month estimated the measure would force the state to add $572 million to $699 million to education budgets compared with this fiscal year.

The costs would rise each year. Schools would get automatic increases each year equal to the inflation rate. The proposal would narrow the funding gap between the richest and poorest districts over the next five years and provide some financial protection for schools that are losing students and the per-pupil funding that comes with them.

It also would cap employee retirement costs for local schools and universities, shifting responsibility to the state for the amount that is owed.

Some opponents also say there could be lengthy court battles over whether the measure is constitutional. Proposal 5 supporters say their critics are using scare tactics to try to confuse voters about the measure.

Powerful lobbies are lining up on both sides of the issue, each figuring to spend millions of dollars on campaigns.

The state's largest teachers union — the Michigan Education Association — joins education groups including Middle Cities, the Michigan Association of School Administrators and others in support of the proposal.

"Everyone says education should be a top priority," coalition spokesman Ken MacGregor said. "Proposal 5 will make education a top budget priority."

Opponents say Michigan's businesses and residents are under enough financial stress and can't afford a tax increase.

"By raising taxes, you compound the problem and make it worse for Michigan," said Bill Martin of the Michigan Association of Realtors.

Opponents say the alternative to more taxes would be slashed services, taking money away from law enforcement, health care, prisons, welfare or other services. Groups against the proposal include the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police and the Michigan Catholic Conference.

An August poll by EPIC-MRA reported 67 percent of likely voters supported the proposal, 32 percent opposed it and 1 percent were undecided. EPIC-MRA pollster Ed Sarpolus said it's likely support has dropped since then because of the opposition's campaign.