[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: Education Funding: Resolve

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
Education Funding: Resolve
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1206682540.shtml


   This is the last of three parts. In [1]Part One I inferred from events
   that K-12 funding is at best number 4, behind pork, light rail, and
   socialized medicine. Maybe it's 5th, given the stadium bills. In
   [2]Part Two, I observed that for all the lobbying and politicking,
   nothing much truly changes. The record shows that whatever money is
   allocated is spent.
   If it's unproductive, why do it? Professor Paul S. Nadler once told
   the story of a big name accounting firm charging a large company
   $300,000 for their annual audit. Only they refused to certify it for
   some reason. "Why bother?" he asked. They were apparently uncertain
   how much they had or made, but whatever it was, they'd have $300,000
   more without that worthless audit.
   So why spend money on lobbying that ultimately changes nothing?
   There's no question that every public school district wants more money
   and lobbies directly and indirectly trying to get it. Only the amounts
   and percentages vary.
   Take for example, the Association of Metropolitan School Districts.
   Near as I can see, this is a lobbying group. Oh, they have some other
   offerings, like Don Corleone also imported olive oil. They report
   using 4 registered lobbyists and somebody must be paying them. For
   what? Quit wasting time on them or any other such groups. Stop wasting
   your own staff's time on such activities. There's another way.
   I guess I lied. There will be a part four.

References

   1. http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1206416076.shtml
   2. http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1206501285.shtml