Find other funds

Dear Editor,

In Thursday's paper, Senator Tom Baker is quoted as saying support for placing  the Work Ethic Camp back in the budget is growing, but that cuts would be made elsewhere, most likely in state aid for K-12 schools.

Is there no way for the Unicameral to find this funding other than taking away from our children's education?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau report issued this week, Nebraska public elementary and secondary schools spend an average of $6,946 to education each student in the 2000-2001 school year, compared to a national average per student of $7,284. If this seems like a lot of money per student, please understand that it includes everything including building maintenance, salaries, supplies, etc. in this cost. With tax cuts of at least 10 percent proposed for the 2003/2004 school year already, how much can the schools cut?

The Work Camp has brought jobs and income into the McCook area and meets a need in our state. While I believe it should be funded and kept open, I would urge citizens to contact Senator Baker and/or the Unicameral to find funding from another source.

Our children are our future -- let's not cut education funding for their sake.

Linda Koch

Culbertson