Letters

‘Yes’ vote on levies won’t raise your taxes

On or before Feb. 3, we will again vote on a three-year replacement of an expiring school Maintenance and Operations Levy, as well as a replacement of an expiring Technology Levy.

Please know that by voting “Yes,” your taxes will not increase, in fact, the projected 2010 tax rate will be lower than the voter-approved 2007 levies. This is a three-year replacement of existing levies, not a new tax.

The M&O Levy pays for important programs and services for students, which are not funded through state and federal dollars. These programs and services include transportation, classroom textbooks and supplies, athletics, music, art and drama.

The Technology Levy helps maintain state standards for technology as well as training to students and staff.

The state of Washington has provided almost $1.5 million annually in Local Effort Assistance Funds (Levy Equalization) to West Valley schools to help offset the cost of the levy. These funds are provided to districts that pass levies and have a lower tax base than the state average.

The children of our community need these levies to pass. Please vote “Yes” and help our children reach their goals. They are our future.

Karin Dunbar

Spokane