Not All Taxes are Bad!

By Linda “Tish” Tisherman

As a businessperson, I never thought I would see the day when I would be endorsing an increase in taxes. But with Measure S, (The School Funding Parcel Tax), businesses and the community have come together to support what is an important short-term tax solution to a growing crisis.

Over the last several months, business leaders and community members met to look for an answer to what is going to be a multi-million dollar deficit for the public schools. The key here is that we worked cooperatively with the help of many people, including those with whom we have had bitter disputes in the past.

Let there be no doubt in anyone’s mind, Measure S will cost companies additional money, and will add to an already heavy tax burden. However, we, like any responsible member of the community, realize the importance of our children and their future. Being able to maintain art and music programs, offer physical education and nursing care will ultimately cut down on the number of at-risk youth and provide a stronger, healthier economic outlook for our city.

And now is the time to act. At Staff Support, we have employees in Santa Monica that both work and live here. Many come here each day and benefit from a remarkable city with beauty, entertainment, and exceptional community services. It is important that as a business we give back to the community that serves us, to provide what little we can either in volunteerism or in financial contributions to make sure that this Measure passes.

I challenge my fellow businesses to step up to the plate and help ensure the future of Santa Monica and the welfare of our kids. With deficits growing, there is very little light at the end of the financial tunnel. We could be facing lean years for our state, which is why this short-term solution to the problems of our schools needs to be addressed. Under Measure S the yearly tax will go away in 6 years.

Yes, it’s unusual for me to be supporting a tax increase, but this is an emergency measure for the future of our community and our children.