Question 2 on the Nov. 8 ballot says, “Do you want to add a 3 percent tax on individual Maine taxable income above $200,000 to create a state fund that would provide direct support for student learning in kindergarten through 12th grade public education.”
If ballot questions were longer, voters would know that the surcharge affects only the top 2 percent of Maine income earners.
If the question told the whole story, voters would know that the state has failed to fund education at 55 percent, required by a vote of the people in 2004, and that failure has hurt Maine students.
If the ballot question showed even more, voters would know that many communities can’t make up the difference by increasing property taxes because the money just isn’t there. So programs or services have had to be cut.
It is time to invest more in Maine’s children, because a strong education means a strong work force.
Voters should look at Question 2 as full of potential for the students in this state.
Crystal Ward, Lewiston
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