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NSEA should drop initiative, find other ways to aid schools

Regardless of how well-meaning teachers are in efforts to spur a fresh and necessary infusion of funds to the schools, the Nevada State Education Association's move to get what they need from casinos through an initiative is a bad idea.

The teachers union proposes to raise the gross gaming revenue tax rate three percentage points, from 6.75 percent to 9.75 percent, for casinos that take in more than $1 million per month.

The teachers should drop the petition, but they probably won't.

The state's schools are so underfunded that union members are willing to do what it takes to get the initiative before voters, including standing up to casino challenges, changing the initiative's wording and taking the proposal back multiple times for signatures. In their minds, the additional $250 million per year for K-12 would be worth the trouble.

There is no way to know how voters will react to the ballot question, but there are a few things that teachers and voters should consider.

First, putting the burden on one industry may seem convenient, but it isn't fair. Supporting schools is a community responsibility. Further, casinos in Southern Nevada might be able to weather the hit from the NSEA plan, but struggling Northern Nevada casinos are vulnerable. It is no wonder that gaming officials are resisting.

People have a right to float an idea by using the initiative process, of course. And, sometimes a ballot question accomplishes things that lawmakers cannot or will not do. But initiatives often lack appropriate research and can upset the tax house of cards. Lawmakers are elected to understand how individual tax schemes will impact the entire tax structure. It is their job to write plans that work together. Again, voters have the right to initiate proposals, but it speaks poorly of the system when the public cannot get what it needs by directly petitioning elected officials.

Also, it is unethical to rely on a popular and necessary element -- student achievement -- to get an unpopular part -- teacher pay, benefits and incentives -- passed.

The union should drop this proposal and bring educators, lawmakers and members of the business community together to devise a more acceptable plan -- one that can benefit the schools, students and the teachers.