Support all students

Re: “More school choice is rallying cry; Some lawmakers agree with crowd at Capitol, but others don’t,” Metro, Jan. 25:

As a half of a childless couple, I was surprised by Kathryn Dormady’s argument she should not have to pay taxes to support public schools because her children attend private schools. By that logic, my wife and I shouldn’t pay school-supporting taxes at all. Moreover, Ms. Dormady wants public tax dollars to fund a portion of her child’s private education.

I’d suggest she abandon her tax argument unless she wants the value of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s proposed education savings accounts (or whatever name they use for school vouchers next) to be greatly reduced. For if she shouldn’t pay taxes for public education, why should I pay taxes to educate her children at all?

My wife and I pay our taxes in the expectation that they support all children — not just those who can find a private school to accept them.

William O. Pate II

William Pate

Your Turn: Feb. 5