Question

Education is considered as a positive externality since others in society benefit the most from the education of private individuals who usually pay for their own education. The recent financial meltdown and recession are making the financing of education more difficult. State and local governments, which typically rely on property taxes to fund education, are unable to meet their financial obligations. The federal stimulus package has been seen as a blessing for state and local governments since it provides additional resources to avoid program cuts and teacher layoffs. Because of this, some analysts claim that the financing of education should be entirely the responsibility of the federal government, not the responsibility of state and local governments Should the funding of education be entirely the responsibility of the Federal Government? Provide your arguments for or against this approach.

Answer 1

No, the funding of education should not entirely be the responsibility of the federal government.

Both state and local government should be responsible for the funding of education. In fact, states, communities, as well as public and private organizations should involve in establishing and managing schools. State, local and private sources fund majority of schools in most of the countries. Although the funding of federal government may be low but it has launched many programs to encourage children to participate in the educational system and build a better future. Federal government provides various schemes, like reduction in tuition fees, education loan and vocational training that attract many students to schools and colleges. There are many programs for the disadvantaged group that enables them to join with the mainstream of the society. Today's scenario of federal funding is much better than that of previous. Now, federal government operates many programs in every area of education and ensuring that no one will be deprived of basic education. Federal government also invests on the employment of teachers and inspire them by launching various programs so that there will not be high turn over.

Federal government has many responsibilities, it has to look after the whole country. It can work better if both state, local government and other non-government organizations will come forward to work together to fulfill the mission of education for all. Education is the right of everyone, so every organization, private and government should work together to make the citizens of the country educated and employed in various sectors.

So funding of education should be the responsibility of federal government, private, local government and other non-profit organizations.