In the upcoming Feb. 9 elections the Tahoma School District will be asking for voter approval on two local levy measures, a programs and operations and a replacement technology levy. I encourage you to vote yes on both levies.

The current state budget deficit crisis has become severe; in fact the state treasurer has stated that the state will be “cash broke” by this September. During this legislative session it is very likely additional non-basic education funding to our K-12 schools will be again significantly cut. The final mix of spending cuts and possible tax increases is unknown at this time. Approving these local school support levies will provide an essential safety net in these challenging economic circumstances regardless of what economy does (or doesn’t do) or how the final budget deficit is addressed.

Given the current economic uncertainty the proposed Tahoma School District levies are conservative and sensitive to the realities of needing to make every dollar count. The programs and operations levy accounts for 19 percent of the district’s operating budget. The technology replacement levy provides our kids with the essential learning tools and skills for today’s tough competitive job market.

The Tahoma School District is one of the best performing school districts in the state for the money invested, an investment that gives our children their future. An excellent, well-funded school district provides significant benefits to our community. Our children are prepared for the competitive future that awaits them and our real estate property values hold their worth in turbulent times.

Your yes vote will make a big difference when it really matters, when our kids’ education future really is on the line.

Glenn Anderson

State Representative

5th Legislative District