There's No Such Thing as Government Money

The City's Pulse Issue #16 June 28, 2007 by Mary Souza
There's No Such Thing as Government Money Steve Briggs, Financial Officer for our Coeur d'Alene school district was quoted in this paper last Sunday, saying "The URD (urban renewal district) has no negative influence on the school district". How can Steve say this? The hard facts are that more than $274,000 of levy money voted for schools last year went to urban renewal instead. Our urban renewal agency, LCDC, used that money to pay for bigger luxury condos and expensive fences. It did not go where the voters in the URD who marked "yes" on their school levy ballots thought it would go. It did not go to schools. But Steve Briggs is ok with that, and so is Hazel Bauman, Assistant Superintendent for CdA schools. Hazel and Steve were quick to announce that the State of Idaho gives the schools all the necessary money, so the $274,000 of levy money siphoned off by Urban Renewal, doesn't matter. Perhaps they have forgotten that there's no such thing as government money. It has to come from somewhere, and it always comes from the taxpayers. This information was part of an important meeting last night, when about 50 community leaders gathered to discuss the impact of Urban Renewal on schools. It was a remarkable meeting. Tom Luna, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, was the featured speaker. Nearly all of our area State Representatives and Senators were present, as well as school district leaders from Rathdrum, Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene, including NIC, several CdA school board members, some city officials, press from both papers and concerned citizens. The meeting was a true grassroots effort, organized entirely by concerned citizens. Kathy Sims, former State Senator and local business owner, Sharon Culbreth, local realtor and fair tax advocate, and Dan Gookin, author and local community activist, were all responsible for the gathering. These three volunteers, with a very important topic of concern, were able to bring together some serious movers and shakers for this gathering. And the earth did move. After the Coeur d'Alene school district officials assured everyone that diverting levy dollars to urban renewal does not hurt them, State Senator Jim Hammond from Post Falls announced he will sponsor legislation to change state law so all educational districts will be protected from urban renewal infringement. The tone of the meeting shifted. State Representative Jim Clark spoke for changes in the law and supported Senator Hammond's suggestions. State Superintendent Luna wrapped up the package with his strong message of fairness. He reminded everyone that taxpayers both inside and outside urban renewal districts should pay equally for education. "Education is essential for a strong economy, and a strong economy is important to support education", Mr. Luna concluded. Kathy, Sharon and Dan, thank you for stepping forward, organizing the event and speaking to the issues of responsible government and proper use of tax revenues. Tax dollars voted for education should go to that end. It's only right and fair, no matter how large or small the dollar amount. Senator Hammond, Rep. Clark and Superintendent Luna, thank you for speaking up and letting us know that you realize there's no such thing as government money ... it's all taxpayer money. And we appreciate your vigilance.

There's No Such Thing as Government Money

Steve Briggs, Financial Officer for our Coeur d'Alene school district was quoted in this paper last Sunday, saying "The URD (urban renewal district) has no negative influence on the school district". How can Steve say this? The hard facts are that more than $274,000 of levy money voted for schools last year went to urban renewal instead. Our urban renewal agency, LCDC, used that money to pay for bigger luxury condos and expensive fences. It did not go where the voters in the URD who marked "yes" on their school levy ballots thought it would go. It did not go to schools. But Steve Briggs is ok with that, and so is Hazel Bauman, Assistant Superintendent for CdA schools. Hazel and Steve were quick to announce that the State of Idaho gives the schools all the necessary money, so the $274,000 of levy money siphoned off by Urban Renewal, doesn't matter. Perhaps they have forgotten that there's no such thing as government money. It has to come from somewhere, and it always comes from the taxpayers.

This information was part of an important meeting last night, when about 50 community leaders gathered to discuss the impact of Urban Renewal on schools.

It was a remarkable meeting. Tom Luna, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, was the featured speaker. Nearly all of our area State Representatives and Senators were present, as well as school district leaders from Rathdrum, Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene, including NIC, several CdA school board members, some city officials, press from both papers and concerned citizens.

The meeting was a true grassroots effort, organized entirely by concerned citizens. Kathy Sims, former State Senator and local business owner, Sharon Culbreth, local realtor and fair tax advocate, and Dan Gookin, author and local community activist, were all responsible for the gathering. These three volunteers, with a very important topic of concern, were able to bring together some serious movers and shakers for this gathering. And the earth did move.

After the Coeur d'Alene school district officials assured everyone that diverting levy dollars to urban renewal does not hurt them, State Senator Jim Hammond from Post Falls announced he will sponsor legislation to change state law so all educational districts will be protected from urban renewal infringement. The tone of the meeting shifted. State Representative Jim Clark spoke for changes in the law and supported Senator Hammond's suggestions. State Superintendent Luna wrapped up the package with his strong message of fairness. He reminded everyone that taxpayers both inside and outside urban renewal districts should pay equally for education. "Education is essential for a strong economy, and a strong economy is important to support education", Mr. Luna concluded.

Kathy, Sharon and Dan, thank you for stepping forward, organizing the event and speaking to the issues of responsible government and proper use of tax revenues. Tax dollars voted for education should go to that end. It's only right and fair, no matter how large or small the dollar amount. Senator Hammond, Rep. Clark and Superintendent Luna, thank you for speaking up and letting us know that you realize there's no such thing as government money ... it's all taxpayer money. And we appreciate your vigilance.