YOU can make a difference. Educate our kids.

I am pleased with our current state government keeping election promises of no new taxes. This has certainly helped to maintain our local infrastructures, roadways, state highways and bridges.

Our children are benefiting greatly because we as parents do not have to pay any extra for public education. This apparently leaves more money in our pockets to dole out to pay for fundraisers to support the school activities such as classroom supplies and learning projects, field trips, computer lab and library privileges. Not to mention the choir or band, and sports fees.

Am I missing something here?

Dangers of roads and bridges in ill-repair aside, insufficient government support for our children's education is hurting everyone.

Government support for pubic education has declined significantly in the past ten years. Our teachers and education staff are doing much more with much less. While funding has decreased, federally mandated programs have increased. And the cost of technology continues to rise. Transportation and fuels costs are escalating and the population of our communities are rising.

Providing a strong education for our children is important to prepare our children to become productive adults. Keeping up with technology is a part of the process. We simply cannot deny those facts.

Nine out of ten Minnesota school districts receive local tax dollars to support core curriculum. There is a huge difference in the funding between districts, however. For instance, Brainerd area residents contribute $199 per student while similar size districts such as Wayzata receive $1,572 per student. The average level for similar size school districts is $802.

Substandard funding should not be tolerated. Quality education is everyone's responsibility.

I understand the arguments of the elderly, or those living on a fixed income and the extra tax can become a burden. But there are refunds available to those who qualify so this should not be an issue.

I do not understand the argument of statements such as, "I don't have kids," or "My kids are all grown up." "I paid for my kid's education already."

First of all, somebody else, years ago, also helped pay for your kid's public education through government tax dollars. Now that your kids are all grown up or you don't have any kids, think about this:

Do you like your healthcare provider? Does your doctor have kids in school? How about your nurse? What about the convenience store clerk? Maybe your auto mechanic or hair dresser has youngsters in school. Or how about the waitress who serves your afternoon coffee and pie? Your bus driver? Trash collector? Mail carrier?

How about your friendly fire fighter and first responder? Your state trooper or local cop?

Now think about how your life would be affected without these people.

If our schools cannot provide quality education for our children, many professionals may chose to move to an area that will step up to the plate and go to bat for all of the children.

Many school districts across the state — 99 of them — are seeking operating levies this fall. Our local community school districts include Onamia, Milaca, Mora, Pierze, Crosby-Ironton, Elk River, Monticello, St. Cloud, Princeton, Pine City, Becker, Brainerd and Braham.

Election day is one week away. If the referendum does not pass on Nov. 6 in Brainerd alone, two schools will need to close, 60 to 100 teachers and educators will be let go, class sizes will increase from an average of 27 to 35 students, many high school electives and AP courses will be eliminated, middle school athletics and activities will be eliminated, and 18 high school league sports, activities and performing arts will be eliminated.

You can make a difference in the lives of our children and invest in the future of our community. Please, don't let the education bridges fall and the roads to learning crumble. Vote YES on Nov. 6.

Peace.