Editorials

For years, editorial writers could have had this one written and ready. All they'd have to do was change the date and insert different (though similar) dollar amounts. Then they'd point out that again the tax code enshrined in our Constitution by the Bourbon Democrats in 1901, enhanced by the Big Mule alliance of industry, agribusiness and attending special interests, had failed to produce the revenue needed to educate our children.

That done, the editorial writer could call again for tax reform, which by necessity would require constitutional reform, which again would be opposed by those who benefit from the current system.

In the weeks to follow, a few legislators would talk of changing the system, but most would ignore the writer's warnings. Then, as the school year wore down and the bulk of the appropriated money had been spent, "proration" would be ordered and educators would scramble to make ends meet.

Meanwhile, legislators would come to the brilliant solution that the best way to prevent proration is not to provide more money for the schools but to cut funding instead. Is this a great state or what?

Maybe it is a little greater this year. Even though the economy is slowing and everything points to concerns over the money needed to cover what schools were told they could spend, proration won't be declared this year. Why? Because of two reserves — the "proration prevention account" and the "rainy day account" — in which the state has salted away enough money to cover the expected shortfall.

Planning pays off.

Unfortunately, the proration-prevention account from which the Legislature likely will draw the money schools need will be exhausted unless the Legislature provides for repayment, which by law it does not have to do. That leaves the rainy day account, which cannot cover next year's expected shortfall.

That puts us right back where we were before — with an inadequate system of raising revenue, with budget cuts staring us in the face, with special interests blocking reform, and with a Legislature unwilling to take on the opposition.

Maybe that editorial writer can use that old editorial after all.