We Need Both
Too often, we’re told that promoting economic growth and improving K-12 education are at odds with each others. But they don’t have to be.
I’ve heard Republicans argue that we need to lower overall tax rates in order to promote economic development. They point out that businesses shop tax rates when deciding where to locate or whether to expand. They argue that if we want to keep and attract businesses, we need to lower our income taxes and the taxes we impose on businesses because Idaho’s tax rates, particularly our income tax rate, are higher than most states in the region.
These Republicans are right. Businesses do shop tax rates. If we lower our overall tax rates, we will promote economic development and grow new and better jobs.
I’ve heard Democrats argue that we need to improve our education system. They argue that Idaho’s constitution and our American ideal of equality demand it. They also argue that improving our education system is a critical part of promoting economic development. They say that businesses shop school systems when deciding where to build or whether to expand. They say that business owners want their children and their employees’ children to attend good schools. They say that business owners want an educated workforce from which to draw employees.
These Democrats are right. Idaho’s constitution demands a “thorough” system of education and businesses do shop school systems. If we invest in education, we will promote civic engagement. We’ll also promote economic development and grow new and better jobs.
This is a moment in which we need to listen to the wisdom of both parties. Through my top priorities, I’ll do just this. My strategy for promoting economic growth and for improving K-12 education takes a “both…and” approach to economic development. Let’s BOTH lower overall tax rates by closing special interest tax exemptions AND invest in K-12 education.
We can do both because by lowering overall tax rates through closing special interest tax exemptions, we don’t cut into our ability to invest in education. By making strategic and cost-effective investments in education, we improve the quality of our public schools. As a result of both efforts, we’ll promote economic development and grow new and better jobs.
We Need Both