The Editor,
An open letter to the Ministry of Education and the BC Teachers Federation: You know how you want to reduce class size and provide more resources for special needs students?
I'm guessing you likely have a bunch more things on your wish list as well. The problem has simply been finding enough money in the general budget without causing huge tax increases.
I have an amazing idea for you. My idea is to raise the sales tax by an amount that is dedicated to education. Start out with something small like 0.5 per cent. You can always raise it later. Put it to a referendum so that the people take responsibility. Call it an Education Improvement Tax.
Few would dare vote against our children's future. It's a sure-fire winner and you don't raise regular taxes.If people complain about it, you can just say you were doing the wishes of the people. As an added bonus, you can start shifting existing education costs over to this "electorate approved" tax source, leaving the general tax fund for more whimsical ideas. Brilliant!
Speak with those behind the current transportation improvement tax referendum for implementation details.
Allan Alton, Surrey