A lot of people are asking this question: Should state pay for students' textbooks? Some say no, for this reason:
Some lawmakers expressed concern about finding enough money to provide free textbooks and still afford state-funded full-day kindergarten.
“As a former school board member, I am used to unfunded mandates and having to borrow money for things that the state has set,” said Tom Dermody, R-LaPorte. “I believe we need to focus first on the free- and reduced-lunch kids. Right now, the state isn't even covering 100 percent of that.”
I say yes. Schools can already offer full-day kindergarten if they choose. There is conflicting research on its value, so the local option seems like a decent idea. The state constitution, however, requires the state to provide students a free education. As long as parents have to pay for books, that constitutional requirement isn't being met.
