Letter to Members
MEA’s new initiative will build foundation for school success
This school year, you will hear a lot
about an MEA initiative that explores
the connection between Tax structures,
Economic development policies and
Funding for schools. We call it TEF.
Launched at MEA’s Summer Leadership Conference July 31-Aug. 2, TEF addresses how implementing fairer tax structures and changing current economic development policies will result in equitable and adequate funding for public schools in Michigan.
Right now in Michigan and in America, the heaviest tax burden falls on those with the least ability to pay. We must level the playing field and look at ways to even the tax burden.
Businesses and corporations routinely receive tax breaks in the name of so-called economic development to the tune of $50 billion annually—with no recourse if a business fails to deliver on promised job creation.
MEA’s TEF initiative is a long-term economic strategy that demonstrates that an investment in education results in a far greater economic return than tax breaks and subsidies handed out to businesses. MEA’s new initiative will build foundation for school success
Our research shows that dollar for dollar an investment in K-12 public education will create more jobs than an equivalent amount in tax cuts. In a typical state, for example, a 2 percent investment increase in public education generates 3,900 new jobs and $92 million in new personal income. An equal tax break generates only 1,500 new jobs and $41 million in new personal income.
Changing decades of conventional thinking about tax structures and economic development polices—obstacles standing in the way of making our public schools great—won’t happen overnight.
We’re just beginning our conversations about TEF. In the coming months, it will be a major focus at every MEA conference, and we will educate members, the public and legislators on how this strategy will build a strong foundation for school success.
Unless we implement the TEF strategy, the futures of our students, our public schools and the Michigan economy remain at risk.