This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
In "More kids, pay less" (Forum, Feb. 10), Kelly Francis criticizes the Utah personal-exemption tax credit that "dictates that the more children you have, the less you pay to educate them."
Public education is a public good that we all support. Education is similar to all public services: police, fire 9-1-1 and public health. Support from all of us (whether or not we use the services) creates a better society for all of us. The child that we all educate may someday be the one that saves a Francis Kelly's diabetes.
The shopworn refrain that we should pay for public education based on the number of children in a family is totally illogical and irresponsible. Tax exemption deductions express society's values to create a higher quality of life for all, and education is the most important.
M. Donald Thomas Director, Public Education Support Group
Salt Lake City