“So, we already have publicly-funded K-12 education and partially-funded, because tax-payer subsidized, public higher education through state university systems.”

Our child attended public kindergarten but parochial schools from 1st thru 12th grades. Even though a significant portion of our home property taxes was for public education I didn’t complain because student education results in a safer and more prosperous community. Children of church families who could not afford to pay parochial school tuition attended at the expense of the congregation. However, at least some portion of the tuition was paid by student parents and the percentage of parents who couldn’t pay the entire tuition was small enough that it was not a significant burden on overall church membership.

I was fortunate to be born in a state (California) that provided tuition free college education and grew up in a city where a state college was located. During my college years I worked part-time as a grocery clerk. My union dues were reduced because I was a student. My hourly wage was increased because I was not working full-time. During the week I could only work evenings that qualified me for an increased hourly wage. On Sundays and holidays I was paid double time. My living conditions were marginal but I was able to graduate with a BSEE degree debt free.

I would be a hypocrite if I opposed public funding of education since I directly benefited from it. However, with the exception of military veterans, I oppose federal funding of education. I think states and local communities should fund general public education. In my opinion federal funding of education has escalated the cost increase and is unconstitutional.