The state Department of Education must look deeper for a truly progressive tax to fund revenue expansion.

Raising the general excise tax is blatantly regressive, disproportionately hurting those with lower- than-average wages — including teachers.

Regardless of which tax is implemented to fund education, the priority for a safe, clean learning and working environment means a top focus on clearing the heretofore neglected facilities repair backlog that is approaching $1 billion statewide

Von Kenric Kaneshiro

Downtown Honolulu

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