Tax Exemption for Teachers

* The Times seems bent on magnifying a hairline crack between teachers and Gov. Gray Davis into something the size of the Grand Canyon. I’m referring to your recent coverage on Davis’ proposed state tax exemption for teachers.

True, we respectfully differ with the governor on some specifics of his plan to elevate the teaching profession in California to the status it has so long deserved. But we commend Davis for adding $1.84 billion to his state budget in a form clearly intended for teacher compensation. And we commend Davis for seeking to spend another $500 million to recognize the unique and undercompensated value of teachers.

For far too many years we have faced governors who would rather spend education dollars on anything but teachers. Gov. Jerry Brown told us we should be content with “psychic dollars.” During the recession in the early ‘90s, Gov. Pete Wilson wanted to slash teachers’ pay by almost 20% and as the economy improved he earmarked every dollar he could for specific purposes so that the money could not be used for teachers’ raises. Contrast that with the foresight of our current governor: “If you teach in California, we’re going to reward you in a way we reward no other profession.”

Davis needs to be applauded all around. The return on investment for his proposed education budget, with teacher pay an explicit top priority, will be a thousandfold.

DAY HIGUCHI, President

United Teachers Los Angeles

* Re “There’s No Constitutional Bar to a Tax Break for Teachers,” by Fred Galves, Commentary, May 29: I am in agreement with getting teachers appropriate salaries, but the reckless use of the tax code to make any adjustments is following the path of all politicians and government leaders who do not want any accountability in expending the people’s money.

There are so very many tax deductions, exemptions and credits available now that it is impossible to tell exactly what benefits each person receives from the government. Why not knock off all deductions, exemptions and credits and stop messing with the tax code? If there is someone in need, send a check. We will then know how much we are giving each person. Knowing that, we can make better decisions on disbursing tax revenues.

PAUL ARNDT

Laguna Woods