RESTORE PUBLIC FUNDING FOR EDUCATION

WHEREAS, some postsecondary education is now required for an increasing share of positions in the 21^st century labor market; and

WHEREAS, postsecondary education is a great benefit to employers; and

WHEREAS, education is a public responsibility that should be shared by all members of the community; and

WHEREAS, taxes in the United States have become increasingly regressive, with large reductions for the wealthiest corporations and individuals; and

WHEREAS, public education meets the needs of individuals, employers and society generally; and

WHEREAS, public education has been undermined seriously by anti-taxation movements:

RESOLVED, that the AFT promote and support research on tax equity for essential public services such as education; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT seek to identify and promote alternative tax policies that could better meet the needs of a quality public education, nursery through college; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT promote policies that ensure that business and corporations pay a fair share of taxes since employers are one of the principal beneficiaries of an educated public.