To the Editor:
Are your property taxes too high?
Fact: The lion’s share goes to schools. 71 percent of my property tax goes to schools. The average school portion of property taxes is about 60 percent, according to the Madison County Treasurer's office.
The educational establishment knows how much you pay and they’ve figured out you’re taxed to the eye balls. The jig is up. So, guess what you’ve got on the “spring off year” March 20 ballot?
1. A referendum to lower school district taxes
2. A referendum for additional money for schools
Yup, # 2 is correct! Go to the head of the class! The educational lobby thinks most voters in a fall election won’t approve tax increases. So they try to sneak a 1 percent sales tax through in a spring off year election when folks don’t go to the polls. It’s an election ploy that works.
Facts: A. The 1 percent sales tax is irrevocable. B. It will take $ 23 million out of our pockets annually and won’t lower your property tax. C. They can raise the property tax at any time - have they ever lowered it? D. The tax will allow them to build $300 million of schools. With interest, this totals a staggering $500 million. E. If passed the sales tax rates will be; Collinsville 9.1, Granite City 9.35, and Highland 8.85, and all will exceed New York City’s sales tax!
Educational soothsayers predict the end of the world if you vote no. Vote no anyway!
Philip W. Chapman
Highland