I live in the smallest state in the union, and currently we are experiencing a severe downturn in the economy. We have one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, and from everything I am reading we are not exactly a business friendly state. There are about one million residents in this state, wouldn't you think that this would be the ideal place to put new and innovative ideas to work? How hard could it be?
I think this state reflects what is happening throughout this country. Everyone agrees that something must be done, but only if it does not affect them.
If we want to save money in this state and nationwide, I suggest we take a look at things from a business perspective. Consolidation of repetitive departments eliminates waste and gives the purchasing department more clout when trying to negotiate terms with vendors. I want to start with the department of education, both locally and nationwide.
I want every student in America using the same curriculum. A 1st grader in California should be learning the same thing as a 1st grader in Connecticut. They should be held to the same standards and they should be using the same textbooks. Same holds true for Jr high and Sr high school students. Can you imagine the money we can save if every school district in the country used the same materials? Any student could transfer throughout the nation and never miss a beat when it comes to school. And the cost savings would be phenomenal.
All school books should be printed in English only - that is the language of this country, thus we eliminate the need for secondary school books. All classes are taught in English, eliminating duplication of classes being taught in alternative languages. Private schools can teach however they would like, but if a school is supported by taxpayers, then English will prevail.
I believe in public pre-school and in full time kindergarten. I think it is needed. And I think the cost savings should be made by looking at materials and not looking to eliminate teachers. I do think that the age of pensions is past, and all municipal employees should now be enrolled in 401K plans and I think retirement age for municipal employees should be the same as for the rest of the population, 62. If municipal employees wish to retire earlier that's fine with me, just do not ask tax payers to provide for you until you reach 62. Gone are the days of putting in 20 years service and retiring at age 40. And, with the cost of healthcare going through the roof, I do not think that any retiree is entititled to healthcare for life, especially when the costs fall directly on the backs of taxpayers.
My mother was a very wise woman. Years ago when the national debt was outrageous she suggested that we place a nickel tax on toilet paper. One nickel. And all of that tax money would be spent on eliminating the national debt. She felt that every American, rich or poor, would be taxed the same on this issue. No getting around it, everyone needs toilet tissue, so both rich and poor would contribute. No one could use a tax loophole to avoid paying it. It would be just for all. It made sense to me when she said it almost 25 years ago, and it still makes sense today. Let's take that nickel tax and apply it to the one issue that needs the money the most, and once that is solvent, more on to the next.
I think we need to look at where the excesses exist, and pare them down. In a downturn, businesses address it immediately, I think every city and state should start doing the same. When the state government is the leading employer of a state, something is terribly wrong. Consolidation of duplicate town agencies within a state would definitely be the beginning of savings. Having students all on the same page, being evaluated on the same materials seems to me to be not only a cost savings measure but would make for a better and more equitable educational system. I love my state, and my town, but it is time for change. I applaud those who are trying, and I understand those who want it to stay the way it currently is. Change is hard, but we need to look at our children and ask ourselves why should they pay for the excesses of their parents?
Just my 2 Cents.
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