Subject:
Support IDA reform and restore funding to public schools!
Message:
Dear Legislator,
As a constituent who cares deeply about public education, I urge you to pass S.89 (Ryan)/A.351 (Bronson), a bill that will prohibit Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs) from waiving school taxes.
IDAs routinely waive school taxes while attempting to attract businesses to the state or lure businesses from other parts of our state. Some IDAs even give tax abatements to established businesses for things like re-modeling and renovating. When school taxes are waived, the school district has no say in their tax levy being reduced.
Businesses often consider relocating to communities with a skilled, educated pool of employees, a good quality of life and great neighborhood public schools, however, all of these can be negatively affected when IDAs waive school taxes.
By prohibiting IDAs from waiving school taxes, communities can ensure that their local public schools are fiscally strong and are able to provide the enrichment and educational programs that current and prospective students and their families need. It is a value-added proposition for businesses looking to relocate to vibrant communities with well-resourced public schools.
By not waiving school taxes, this bill will ensure that public school districts can recruit and retain staff to work with students to address their educational and social-emotional needs.
Accordingly, I ask that you pass S.89 (Ryan)/A.351 (Bronson) and restore funding to public schools. Thank you for your consideration of these very important issues. I respectfully ask that you bring up these issues with your conference and I would greatly appreciate a response to this email.
Sincerely,
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