Submitted by Marian Bott, May 18, 2007 17:41

As the Education Finance Specialist for the League of Women Voters of New York State, I participated in our organization's lobbying efforts to reform the STAR program. It distributes money, disproportionately, to wealthy communities throughout our State. Our lobbying was challenged by those living in Westchester and Long Island, who insisted that they sorely needed property tax relief.

They did not sorely need property tax relief, as the school tax elections show; yet they, through their elected officials, ever anxious to curry favor, wanted the new governor to believe their tales of woe.

If equity is ever to be brought to bear on the financing schema for New York State's public schools, the Executive and Legislative branches of government have to study more carefully the results of the school tax votes which take place each May. People vote their wallets, these May votes are the best measure of their ability and willingness to support their schools.

While I regret that as a State we remain as closed-minded as we are to an equitable system, I applaud the tenacity of local voters who want the best for their children. It is unfortunate that all of the communities in the State cannot afford what Bronxville and Mineola can afford. It is also unfortunate that we continue to subsidize these wealthy communities through the STAR program.

Respectfully,

Marian Bott

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