For the fourth time the charter school issue I-1240 is up for a vote. The Republican corporate sponsors claim to have innovative solutions to problem schools. Their solution, privatize our public schools.

K-12 education in Washington state has been badly under-funded for decades, with both parties responsible. The Washington State Supreme Court agreed in 1978, 1983 and again in 2012. The ruling, "to fund basic education with dependable and regular taxes."

An August, 2002, study by the Economic Opportunity Institute in Seattle reported, "Due to the absence of a graduated income tax and a heavy reliance on sales tax, Washington state's tax system has evolved to the point of being rated the most regressive tax system in the nation."

I believe the Republicans like our present tax system because it is business friendly, ignoring the fact it is bad for education. I want representatives in Oylmpia who look at all the factors of society, not just the businesses. That's why I'm voting for Democrats, Natalie McClendon and Matt Krogh, for the 42nd Legislative District.

Bob Seaman

Custer