Question

like state governments, local governments need revenue to pay for their services. some of this revenue comes from state and federal governments. other revenue comes from taxes and fees paid by people who live in the local community. property taxes paid by the owners of land, houses, or vehicles are one of the largest internal revenue sources for local governments.
imagine you are part of a community that has to decide whether to raise property taxes in order to provide more money for local schools. decide whether each argument below could be used to support or oppose raising property taxes.

	supports raising property taxes	opposes raising property taxes
raising property taxes puts a financial strain on people with low incomes.	○	○
good local schools increase property values, so it makes sense for residents to pay more to support nearby schools.	○	○
if our property taxes get any higher, people will move away to places with lower taxes.	○	○
other areas of the state spend more to support their schools. we should do the same for our schools.	○	○
many residents do not have children attending public schools. we should not all have to pay more for a service that only some of us use.	○	○

Explanation:

1. "Without better funding...": Supports, as it argues that lack of funding will drive parents away, so raising taxes to fund schools is needed.
2. "Raising property taxes...": Opposes, as it highlights financial burden on low - income people.
3. "Good local schools...": Supports, as it shows that investing in schools (via tax increase) has a positive return (higher property values).
4. "If our property taxes...": Opposes, as it says higher taxes will make people move away.
5. "Other areas of the state...": Supports, as it uses the example of other areas spending more on schools to argue for doing the same.
6. "Many residents do not have...": Opposes, as it argues that non - users of public schools should not have to pay more.

Answer:

1. "Without better funding for our schools, parents will start moving to other school districts with better schools." - Supports raising property taxes
2. "Raising property taxes puts a financial strain on people with low incomes." - Opposes raising property taxes
3. "Good local schools increase property values, so it makes sense for residents to pay more to support nearby schools." - Supports raising property taxes
4. "If our property taxes get any higher, people will move away to places with lower taxes." - Opposes raising property taxes
5. "Other areas of the state spend more to support their schools. We should do the same for our schools." - Supports raising property taxes
6. "Many residents do not have children attending public schools. We should not all have to pay more for a service that only some of us use." - Opposes raising property taxes