There is currently an enormous disparity within the U.S. in the money spent per child on K-12 education. Some fortunate children get high quality books, computers and well paid teachers. Other children barely get workable bathrooms.
In a rational society, we would all understand that every child has a fundamental right to a high quality K-12 education. Whatever is needed to support that right would be viewed as a necessity, regardless of the economic circumstance of that child’s family.
Of course that would cost a lot of money, which would largely be paid by taxes. But in the long run, this would be the best investment we could make with our taxes. The benefits to our nation of a generation of children who can each become an effective engine of the economy would pay for itself many times over.
Unfortunately, we do not live in a rational society.
I recall reading that in an industrialized society it’s only natural that services, such as education, become “more expensive” as in taking a larger share of budget. Technological advancement improves efficiency in manufacturing, infrastructure and communication which makes all the non-service public expenditures cheaper.
So even if you spend a constant percentage in education each year, you might be actually cutting it, relatively speaking.
“an effective engine of the economy” – was that the goal?
Regarding the comment from pekkav: Yes, I see your point, but that analysis does not take into account the innovation in technology and other economic sectors that will occur when there are many more people innovating.
Regarding the comment from panteleimon: No, the goal is a more just and equitable society. But including logical reasoning about the common economic good is a way to avoid having the conversation shut down by people who might say “Isn’t this just a hand-out?”
Thank you, the clarification is appreciated