You can vote “yes” for an upcoming school board sales tax and still feel good when you scream “No new taxes,” and attend your favorite local T.E.A. Parties.

The proposed tax isn’t new at all. In fact, it’s a part of the “already” the Taxed Enough Already Parties talk about.

This tax is an example of how taxing should work.

The tax assesses a 1-cent tax for every dollar spent in Concordia Parish.

Most of us don’t mind paying one more penny for the things we buy daily, yet that small addition to our bill generates approximately $2.3 million a year for the school district.

And the school district has proven time and time again that it uses the money for improvements that help our children and teachers and therefore our economy and our future.

In 10 years of the tax’s existence, the district has used it to buy educational materials and library supplies, build new science labs and fund utility bills. The money also funds a 13th check paid to employees.

The school board reports on the uses of the money frequently, and the business office can provide an accounting of the dollars if asked.

We all know taxes are a necessary part of life, so let’s support the ones that have a proven track record of effectiveness.

There will be plenty of new taxes to fight against later.