Is it a coincidence that Tennessee has much lower tax rates than other states? I have heard it described as a great place to retire to avoid state taxes.
It's not a coincidence at all. TN earns an "F" for funding effort - which means the state has significant untapped fiscal capacity. There's no state income tax, which does make it great for retirement and the state phased out the hall tax on investment income - specifically for the purpose of attracting retirees (who tend to use less services/don't have kids in school).
When I was on the Shelby County now, the Memphis Shelby County School Board I asked how TVAAS worked, as a mathematical formula. What was its validity.
I then asked, since they did not know, to ask the state.
After two years there was no answer.
I asked a mathematician.
He said the formula looks fantastic but really, it’s a very simple formula that’s practically meaningless.
So part of its results allows people to criticize and part of it allows the system to have press conferences and brag.
As someone who studied and used high level stats in a doctoral program and subsequent research, I would agree that TVAAS yields essentially meaningless results. That we base a significant portion of Ed policy in TN on TVAAS is a tragedy.
TISA can lead to larger tax burdens for many counties by the way funding depends on how much they receive for each student depending on handicapped students and other factors. It's a set up for vouchers.
Is it a coincidence that Tennessee has much lower tax rates than other states? I have heard it described as a great place to retire to avoid state taxes.
It's not a coincidence at all. TN earns an "F" for funding effort - which means the state has significant untapped fiscal capacity. There's no state income tax, which does make it great for retirement and the state phased out the hall tax on investment income - specifically for the purpose of attracting retirees (who tend to use less services/don't have kids in school).
Education Law Center! I love that they were cited; it is an organization I admire.
They do incredible work.
When I was on the Shelby County now, the Memphis Shelby County School Board I asked how TVAAS worked, as a mathematical formula. What was its validity.
I then asked, since they did not know, to ask the state.
After two years there was no answer.
I asked a mathematician.
He said the formula looks fantastic but really, it’s a very simple formula that’s practically meaningless.
So part of its results allows people to criticize and part of it allows the system to have press conferences and brag.
As someone who studied and used high level stats in a doctoral program and subsequent research, I would agree that TVAAS yields essentially meaningless results. That we base a significant portion of Ed policy in TN on TVAAS is a tragedy.
TISA can lead to larger tax burdens for many counties by the way funding depends on how much they receive for each student depending on handicapped students and other factors. It's a set up for vouchers.
Yep. It will raise local taxes in most districts. And paves the way for vouchers… Bill Lee’s grand scheme