A Shawnee Mission School District mom explains why we need our state to provide core services.
“I see Kim, our vision teacher, teaching Danny as a nearly blind infant, to recognize our faces. I see Linda and Harrietta, amazing friends, caring for adults with physical and intellectual disabilities in their homes. I see other friends, too many to name, working tirelessly and lovingly, as teachers and administrators in our schools. There are no bogey men. There are only hard working, honest people fixing our roads and bridges, teaching our children, inspecting our food and water, presiding over our courts, patrolling our streets, and serving our elderly and disabled. They work everyday for the common good, and their good work is being undone by a failed tax policy that benefits a privileged minority…
“My family’s need for government funded services was certainly not expected. We planned, received excellent health care, and made good choices. We simply drew the preemie card. We are all one fall off of a ladder or a premature baby away from needing help. I would argue that none of us can live safely and happily in the limited government bubble. We all want good roads, demand safe communities, and an education system that allows our children to reach their highest potential. These are core responsibilities of government. We should value public servants and celebrate institutional knowledge with a single-minded focus on providing quality services. They are professionals who are able to work toward our best interest and remain unmotivated by profit. These services are valuable, necessary, and save tax dollars in the long run.
“Our communities deserve it. Our families need it. Our children are worth it.”