Turns out that staying in school makes a lot of sense for students and taxpayers.
A new study out of Boston's Northeastern University found taxpayers - get this - lose $221,000 over the course of a lifetime for each Illinois student who drops out of school.
All I can say is, wow! Now, that's money that could be in my savings account.
Researcher Joe McLaughlin co-authored the study for education leaders in the state.
He found dropouts pay lower taxes compared to high school grads and they collect more government support. They also go to prison at higher rates.
The bottom line is that we taxpayers are bearing a huge fiscal burden for the state's dropout problem, and I'm sick and tired of footing the bill for these folks.
Not to mention, just what kind of job can you get without a high school diploma these days?
I want to know what you think about this story?
Drop me a line anytime.
Comments (4)
If you can do the paperwork to apply for welfare, you can complete the GED requirements. Take the welfare carrot out of the government's hand and the uneducated bunny will work to find food - or steal and go to prison.
Posted by Jimmy37 | September 29, 2008 8:41 PM
Posted on September 29, 2008 20:41
It is a slippery slope, right? If we cut programs for drop outs -- whom for the most part are folks who fall on the wrong // difficult side of societal norms -- then what? So i think we need to empower students and revalue their worth which is a difficult charge. But we can't pretend that by simply cutting funds that we solve a deeper problem in the American psyche. We are in class denial and the rift is ever growing. I would argue we need more money and programs that offer outreach, so that people who already feel disenfranchised might have more opportunities and not feel cast aside.
Posted by David | September 27, 2008 9:48 AM
Posted on September 27, 2008 09:48
I knew that we taxpaying Americans footed the bill for those who choose not to be part of work force,but I didnt realize individuals who dropped out of school had a higher rate of contribution to the above mentioned malaise.Paying our dues for what we consume and putting back by being constructive member of society. You know you can learning something new everyday, I learning something new today.
Posted by Dell | September 26, 2008 11:07 PM
Posted on September 26, 2008 23:07
I really enjoy reading your blog. I think you hit the nail on the head with this posting. We need to do something about the future of America. Parents need to push their children to get an education. There are so many resources and all too often, those some resources are not being utilized. There is no excuse why kids can't get a decent education and graduate with a diploma. Keep up the good work!
Posted by Shelby | September 26, 2008 4:03 PM
Posted on September 26, 2008 16:03