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Arguments against increased funding for public education fall flat from all corners when faced with facts. First, it isn’t about time worked or vacation but rather supply and demand. With thousands of unqualified substitutes filling in for teachers who left the profession or state for higher paying jobs and demand for educational services not abating, basic market economics tells us that you need to pay more.

Second, high levels of lead in local schools’ water, dilapidated buildings, rodent infestations, and other conditions that we would never wish for our own children or our aging parents are permitted or even celebrated by state leaders. Feel free to check past reporting in various sources. Restoring capital funding to schools is a clear solution to everyone but the most selfish.

Last, everyone wants what is best for their children until it comes to the state of Arizona. We spend more money to incarcerate someone per year than to educate a child. We have a history of lax enforcement for laws related to child safety. It is disingenuous to say that someone is a proud Arizonan or American, but clearly does not support efforts to protect and nurture children and our future.

There are many professions which selflessly serve our public such as the military, police, fire departments, and EMTs (to name a few). All are underpaid and under appreciated. If you really support our community servants, then it is time to put your money where your mouth is.

MICHAEL VOGLER

Flagstaff

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