In January, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue proposed giving $100 gift cards to Georgia teachers to use for school supplies during the state's sales tax holiday weekend. His proposal is become a reality.
According to this article, just days from now on July 18 approximately 108,000 - $100 Classroom gift cards will have been distributed to Georgia teachers for use during the sales tax holiday weekend from August 3rd to the 6th. Here's the letter from the Governor to teachers about the classroom gift cards.
This topic has caused quite a stir on this very blog. Click here to read a past blog post and various comments. Most of the comments previously offered appear to be from teachers who have spent and, from the sounds of it, will continue to spend lots of their own hard earned money providing supplies, assisting students, and even providing lunch money. The sacrifices of Georgia teachers and teachers everywhere certainly should be appreciated. Local communities and states should work to acknowledge the "extras" that teachers contribute.
Clearly some readers are thankful for the gift cards and admit that while it's a drop in the bucket it is helpful.
However, I can't help but think that Georgia teachers and students deserve better. Why stop at a $100 gift card? Why not work to fund the school system well enough so that teachers aren't expected to spend their own money on supplies, etc.
Again, I ask - What do you think?
On a side note, it's interesting that if a teacher is unable to use the gift card during the sales tax holiday weekend, they are advised to "cut up the card and discard."