Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Thoma not quite right on State and Local budget cuts

Recessions lower revenues and increase the demand for state and local services, and this pushes state and local governments into the red. Since state and local government are required to balance their budgets, this forces forcing them to either cut spending or raise taxes (most are choosing to cut spending).

During the recession the political focus is on what central government unfunded mandates will cost, then states adapt to watever is left to them. What is the most likely threat to a teacher's future? Imposition of unions and mandates from higher levels of government, and the volatility induced by NCLB; in short, the inability to adapt education to local conditions.

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