Government Grocery Stores

Imagine for a moment the reaction if the State of Texas decided to open government grocery stores. What if the state determined what products would be on the shelves and socialized the cost of groceries purchased at those stores by imposing a tax on property owners?

Competitors would lose business because of the subsidies for shopping at government grocery stores. Texans who prefer a different grocery store would pay more than those shopping at the official state grocer. Adding insult to injury, those who shop at HEB, Kroger, Whole Foods, or some alternative would be paying, not only for their own groceries, but also part of the cost of the food purchased by others.

This might seem like a farfetched idea, but it is precisely what the state does in regard to education. The Texas Education Agency determines what textbooks are on the shelves and what courses are taught in government schools. The cost of these schools is socialized through property taxes. Parents who desire a private school or home schooling for their children are forced to pay twice—once through their taxes and then again through the tuition or other costs for the alternative education.

If the state took the actions mentioned above, government grocery stores would essentially become a monopoly. Many families would begin shopping at those stores simply because they could not afford an alternative.

The state has taken these actions regarding education, and in the process, the government has a monopoly in education. Many, perhaps most, families have little choice but to send their children to government schools.

While some Texans may welcome government control of grocery stores, many would not. They would prefer to have alternatives. They would prefer to buy their groceries at a store that offers the products that best serve their needs, desires, and budget.

Similarly, while some parents welcome government schools, many do not. They would prefer alternatives. They would prefer to be able to send their children to a school that best meets the student’s needs, desires, and budget.

Most Texans would recognize the folly of government grocery stores. It is time that we recognize the folly of government schools. While vouchers and education savings plans will not abolish government schools, it will provide parents with alternatives.