The League of Women Voters urges all La Plata County voters to support Amendment 66, funding for public schools, by voting “yes”. The amendment satisfies criteria noted in the state LWV’s long-standing position on fiscal policy, adopted in 1979-81, which states support for “adequate and flexible funding of state government programs through an equitable tax system that is progressive and which incorporates social, environmental and economic goals.” The amendment also satisfies our state LWV school finance position, which supports a state school finance system which includes equity for students, taxpayers and school districts; adequate sources of revenue; and support for high-cost programs for students with special needs.
Our state president, Bobbie Heisterkamp, has written, “Amendment 66 successfully addresses many education needs in Colorado. It will fix many of the shortfalls embedded in our public school system. It will guarantee full-day kindergarten to every 5-year-old. It will add funding for special education and gifted students. It will set up an innovation fund to help schools implement best and proven practices to raise student achievement levels. And most importantly, it will change the way per-pupil spending is calculated to make that funding more equitable throughout Colorado. The proposed new counting method makes this possible with a minimal tax increase.
Our state is woefully behind most of the nation in how much we invest in public schools, yet we value education as a means to prepare students to be as productive and thoughtful as their abilities allow. The League of Women Voters of Colorado urges every voter to vote ‘yes’ on Amendment 66.”
The League also urges support for Proposition AA, taxes on marijuana and marijuana products, based as well on the same provisions of our state fiscal policy position.
Take the time to read carefully the 2013 State Ballot Information Booklet, which arrived at your home, and the LWVCO Ballot Issue pamphlet, available at the LWV table in the foyer of Durango Public Library for nonpartisan information about these two issues.
Nadine Ancel, treasurer, League of Women Voters of La Plata County
Durango
