CreateDebate


Debate Info

2
1
Yes, I'd pay a little more tax Nope, not with my tax dollars
Debate Score:3
Arguments:3
Total Votes:3
More Stats

Argument Ratio

side graph
 
 Yes, I'd pay a little more tax (2)
 
 Nope, not with my tax dollars (1)

Debate Creator

Banshee(288) pic



Should museums, zoos, and science centers be tax-funded?

In 1971, voters in St. Louis, MO approved a property tax increase to fund the city's "Zoo-Museum District" (ZMD), so that the city's art museum and zoo could offer free admission to all members of the public and could further expand their facilities. The ZMD now includes the city's science center, botanical gardens, and state history museum. All are supported primarily through tax monies and with the exception of the gardens, admission to these institutions is free to the public. The tax assessment ranges from 3 to 6 cents per $100 of property value (between $90 and $180 per year for the owner of a $300,000 home). Other cities have since enacted similar plans using either a property tax, or a 1/10 of 1% sales tax increase (one penny per $10) to fund their art museums, zoos, science centers, performing arts centers, and other major artistic or cultural attractions.

Would you be willing to support such a sales or property tax increase in your city to fund your local art museum, zoo, and/or science center so that these organizations could offer free admission to everyone?

Yes, I'd pay a little more tax

Side Score: 2
VS.

Nope, not with my tax dollars

Side Score: 1
1 point

I would love to see museums and science centers be free to the public. Museums are right there next to libraries and science centers are just plain awesome.

Zoos, on the other hand, are not my thing. I wouldn't want my tax money going to enslave animals for our entertainment. I could only support a zoo if they gave the animals vast spaces in which to live. I've never been to a zoo that I thought gave the animals enough room.

Side: Yes, I'd pay a little more tax
1 point

Not sure about it being done through property tax, but I guess it ends up the same, as "tax". I think educational museums should be publicly funded and admission made free (or as close to as can be borne).

Side: Yes, I'd pay a little more tax

Museums, zoos and science centers should not be funded by taxpayers. For the most part, they provide a product. So, if someone wants that product, they should pay for it. These are forms of entertianment; they are not services.

A zoo in my vicinity cut taxes on residents for the local zoo; well, it went from donations and free of charge to $8 adults and $4 children.

Side: Nope, not with my tax dollars