I'm with you -- been thinking along the same lines for some time now.
The trouble is that it won't come to pass because of screams that such a system is overly burdensome for lower-income families, who would certainly pay more if even the basic necessities (food, medical care, etc.) were taxed.
This is a legitimate argument. As a Christian, I do indeed believe that we have a responsibility to aid the poor. That "WE" includes everyone on this board, because if you can afford internet and computer services, your family is probably not going hungry. (My twist on defining "poor".)
On the other hand, I think that the principle of "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also," expressed by Jesus on the hillside, also applies here. When we ALL contribute to the common good (that means immigrants as well as us 7th generation Texans), we ALL have a stake in the outcome.
Renters don't take care of houses like homeowners do. Families who don't pay into the system don't have as great an incentive to make it work efficiently nor value what they haven't paid for. That goes not just for education but for all social services.
If you've got a litter of kittens who need a home, you will find it easier to sell them for $1 apiece than to give them away. It's human nature to respect value.
Our school-funding system (and our tax system as a whole) needs to be re-ordered to require investment by everyone who claims the benefits our society offers.
My long-considered opinion. Can someone here make Austin listen?
I dunno but can assure you that the attempt is being made!