GRAHAM FAQs – MAY 8 INCOME TAX

What is on the Tuesday, May 8 ballot?

Graham is on the ballot for a modest 1% earned income tax.

What qualifies as “earned” income?

**USE LANGUAGE FROM BEFORE

What type of income is exempt from the earned income tax?

*USE LANGUAGE FROM BEFORE

Why are we on ballot?

Graham is on the ballot because our fiscal situation is serious. Our district has gone more than 24
years without additional operating dollars and during that time we have made deep cuts in order
to make things work. Now, that is no longer enough. If the May 8 earned income tax levy does
not pass then we will have to make even deeper cuts.

Weren’t we just on the November ballot?

Yes, and for the same exact ballot issue. The need to secure funding for our district did not go
away with failure; It only worsened.

What happens if it passes?

If it passes, then we can protect and maintain what we have in our schools right now. No frills.

What happens if it fails?

If it does not pass, we must enact deep cuts and reductions districtwide. Moreover, the need does
not go away with failure and the district will need to return for additional operating dollars.

Is there a list of cuts that will occur if the levy fails?

Yes. In order to be open and transparent about the serious financial situation facing our schools,
the board approved a list of cuts that will occur if the levy does not pass. The cuts would go into
effect if the levy does not pass on May 8. A full list can be accessed here <<HOTLINK IT>>.

More cuts are not going to hurt anything, are they?

Cuts hurt. The last time we made deep cuts student test scores dropped significantly on state
tests. We cannot continue cutting, reducing and slashing our budget and expect the same quality
of education.

Our schools are falling behind. Enacting further cuts would only worsen this divide. Our teachers
need more resources so that our Graham students do not fall behind. Resources like up-to-date
technology, classrooms, textbooks and lab materials along with additional science, technology
and academic programs.

How does our tax rate compare with other school systems around us?
Our tax rate is lower than every district in a seven county area, including: Champaign, Clark
Logan, Madison and Miami Counties.