This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
On Feb. 8, The Tribune reported a story about a recent Libertas Institute poll (http://www.sltrib.com/home/4914283-155/bill could weaken our schools now).
The Libertas Institute argues that more information is needed for the voter to be able to make an informed decision. I couldn't agree more.
The Institute compared results from 2 polls.
One showed 50 percent support from voters if asked the question; Do you support an .875 percent increase for income tax that raised $750 million for schools? When asked the new poll question: If you knew the increase for an average Utah family of 4 (2 adults, 2 K-12 students) would be $900/yr., support drops to 31%. That is a lot of money.
I suggest that we disclose even more.
For average family of 4? That would be $2.40/day or $1.20/child/day.
A family of 10 (2 adults, 8 children, most K-12)? $.3/child/day.
2 adults? $5/day.
I would like someone to conduct a poll and ask if a voter knew it would cost $2.40/day to put $750 million dollars into education, would they pay that?
If we are going to be transparent, do it.
You can't hide this behind a Zion Curtain.
Nicholas M. Bielaczyc
Salt Lake City