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The Hall County Democratic Party supports a "yes" vote on March 15 to continue the one percent Special Local Option Sales Tax for educational funds.
Continuation of the Hall County 1 percent sales tax is projected to generate as much as one $197 million over five years to upgrade and improve school facilities and provide up-to-date technology for students. The availability of these funds for the Hall County and Gainesville school systems with distribution based on full-time student enrollment is a long-term investment in the infrastructure of schools and the improved quality of education for every child.
Typically, the burden for support of our school system is born by those paying property taxes in Hall County. By continuing the education SPLOST, the tax burden will continue to be distributed between property owners and nonproperty owners as well as non-Hall county residents who make taxable purchases in Hall County.
A "yes" vote on the education SPLOST reduces the potential tax burden on property owners while increasing the resources needed for our public school students to receive a quality education.
Few people would disagree that the function performed by our public school system is the foundation of our democracy. E-SPLOST enhances the opportunities of every child in Hall County to learn about our culture, history and government and develop the skills that are needed to prepare them for successful careers and contribute to our democratic society.
We encourage the citizens of Hall County to vote March 15, and to vote "yes" on the E-SPLOST.
Jim Taflinger
Chairman, Hall County Democratic Committee, Gainesville