[Winona Online Democracy]
Actually, renters DO pay property taxes, which is rolled into the rent. The
property taxes on rental property I believe are even higher than on
homestead property (This was true in the past--not sure if property tax
reform changed this). But this cost is passed along by the landlord to the
renters. The property taxes that renters pay may be 'invisible', but only
if you choose not to see what determines the rent paid. The state
recognizes this by offering a property tax credit to renters. Other states
do this, as well.
It is worth noting that a significant portion of WSU students, and certainly
MN SE Tech. students are from Winona and the surrounding area, and are
likely to stay in the area, provided that employment opportunities exist for
them to do so. And, a number of students from all 3 institutions will
locate here, provided opportunities for them to be gainfully employed can be
found. Which is partially determined by the willingness of business to
locate here, which is determined, in part, to the strength of the community
and the amenities offered here, including a well educated labor force, which
is of course, dependent upon --get this--an excellent public school system.
I am a recent, and much older non-traditional graduate of WSU. In order for
me to find employment in my field, I have to travel to Rochester every day,
where I work with a number of other (much younger) WSU graduates who have a
strong attachment to Winona, but cannot find jobs there.
In my family, the issue of employment opportunities is important. None of
my 4 children (2 still in college, one of them at WSU, 2 lving out of state)
intend to settle in Winona. The two major contributing factors are the lack
of job opportunities and this communitiy's contentious attitude toward
public education. In many respects, Winona is a wonderful community and a
wonderful place to raise children. My biggest struggle in the 17-plus years
we have lived here has been the community's attitude towards the school
district and school funding. To me, it is the single biggest obstacle to
Winona's greatness. And unfortunately, it seems to be an obstacle that too
many want to cling to, rather than to overcome.
An excellent public school system serves not only the students who attend
public schools, but also works together with private and (public) charter
schools and home schooled students by providing services and opportunities
that those other educational choices do not provide. In Minnesota, public
school districts provide transportation, special education and remedial
educational services, counseling, and other services. Non-public school
students are able to participate in educational offerings such as band,
orchestra, foreign languages, etc, as well as extracurricular activities on
the same basis as public school students. This allows the non-public
schools to focus their monetary resources on their core curriculum without
the expense of these 'extras' which so many students and families find
essential.
Winona is blessed with many fine attributes--3 institutions of higher
learning, cultural opportunities, many wonderful churches and community
organizations, parks, nice neighborhoods, and a beautiful setting. It is
also home to some of the brightest, most creative, nicest children and young
people I've ever met. They have impressed me over and over again, not only
with their many accomplishments in all areas of achievement, but in their
dedication to their family, community service and to their friends.
It has been popular in recent times to refer to children as our 'greatest
natural resources,' or our 'best assets.' I think that's all wrong. It is
our job as adults, parents, grandparents, community members to devote
necessary resources to equip the children and young people with the
education and skills that they will need to make their way in the world.
Natural resources are something to be held in trust, to be explored, used as
best suits the needs of the community and of future generations. Children
are aggravating, expensive, intelligent, affectionate and individuals They
are blessings in our lives. Children are to be cherished, loved, and
educated. They are not 'the future.' If they are to enjoy a future, they
need the best possible foundation upon which to build their own future,
including an excellent education.
Terri Hyle
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