To the editor:

I would like to thank Kansas GOP leaders for getting KU Chancellor Hemenway to use the word “cannibalize” in public. Good times. Secondly, I would like to ask those same GOP members what they think the purpose of public school is today. To provide an education to the children of Kansas, right? Blah, blah, blah. I meant to ask: What is the purpose of educating these children? To teach them how to function in society: OK, good answer.

Third question: What are you afraid will happen if we as Kansans make a fiscal commitment to better public education through an increase in taxes? It would put more of a burden on Kansas families and businesses, right? Correct.

But what I would really like our state legislators to think about is what the economic effects will be if we don’t increase funding for public education. William Schweke who wrote “Smart Money: Education and Economic Development,” stated, “A compelling body of research links primary and secondary education to economic development and growth.” I am asking for Kansans, politician and not, to make a sacrifice today that will help their fellow Kansans and lay the ground work for us to become an economic and educational force. As a college student who frequently forgets to return her library books on time, I understand the human instinct to focus on the here-and-now. However, I fear that if we allow our education system to deteriorate it will cause serious problems for Kansas in the future.

Liz Stuewe,

Lawrence