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In 1992, Oklahoma passed a ballot initiative saying that the state could only raise taxes with a three quarters majority in the state assembly, creating a one-way ratchet where every tax cut becomes effectively permanent, including the sweetheart deals cut for frackers and the deep cuts to taxes on the wealthiest residents of the state.
As a result, the state is going broke. Teachers haven't gotten a raise in 10 years and the only way they can afford to accept the pay -- third-worst in the nation -- is by negotiating a four-day school week in 90 districts, freeing teachers up to take jobs at Walmart on Mondays to make ends meet.
Teachers are especially hard hit: their health plan was replaced with a private system that eats up more than $1000/month for a family of three -- one teaching aide was actually paying to work her job, spending $200/month more on health insurance than she was paid in salary.
originally posted by: underwerks
And people wonder why kids are eating laundry detergent.
originally posted by: MisterSpock
originally posted by: underwerks
And people wonder why kids are eating laundry detergent.
They do it because they are stupid, I say eat up.
Why deny Darwin his prize.
originally posted by: carewemust
a reply to: Southern Guardian
Thankfully the teachers who feel that their salaries are too small for the standard of living they have chosen, have the freedom to move to a higher-tax/higher-pay state.
originally posted by: Southern Guardian
Oklahoma, going the way of Kansas - economy wise:
In 1992, Oklahoma passed a ballot initiative saying that the state could only raise taxes with a three quarters majority in the state assembly, creating a one-way ratchet where every tax cut becomes effectively permanent, including the sweetheart deals cut for frackers and the deep cuts to taxes on the wealthiest residents of the state.
As a result, the state is going broke. Teachers haven't gotten a raise in 10 years and the only way they can afford to accept the pay -- third-worst in the nation -- is by negotiating a four-day school week in 90 districts, freeing teachers up to take jobs at Walmart on Mondays to make ends meet.
It goes on:
Teachers are especially hard hit: their health plan was replaced with a private system that eats up more than $1000/month for a family of three -- one teaching aide was actually paying to work her job, spending $200/month more on health insurance than she was paid in salary.
boingboing.net...
And now the State is experiencing a drain of qualified teachers leaving in droves as the result of this. Those who stay continue to struggle year after year. It does help the fact Oklahoma sits among the lowest in the country in terms of performance.
Wonderful.
originally posted by: aethertek
Meh that's what happens when your state votes overwhelmingly Republican.
OT- Oklahoma is going to get screwed more since Trump just cut funding for meteorology & storm tracking.
K~