Proposal

Julie Carrow

Proposal

Title: It is essential that California passes Proposition 30.

Author: I am a 21 year old college student. I am a third year student and have been having trouble getting the courses I need to transfer to a four-year university. Prior cutbacks have set me back. Further cutbacks will make it even harder for me to transfer. I am directly affected by Proposition 30.

Date:  Proposition 30 makes its way to the ballot during a time of economic hardship for California. Taxpayers’ money needs to be allocated properly, to the places most deserving. Proposition 30 sets forth a plan to stop further cuts to education system, essentially saving the system.

Topic: Proposition 30 is a measure that raises taxes for those making over $250,000 and an increase in sales tax. The money will go towards education, public safety, and community programs all of which have received cuts in the prior years.

Exigence: California’s educational system will be facing more cuts if Proposition 30 is not passed. Further cuts brought to an already damaged system will thwart many individuals from reaching their highest potential. Proposition 30 uses the tax money to fill the educational deficit and stop further cuts being made.

Intended Audience: My intended audience is registered voters in the state of California and college students whom this will affect.

Logos: Proposition 30 gives taxpayers’ money to K-12 schools and community colleges. The billions in new funding will go towards smaller class sizes, rehiring teachers, etc..  If the measure is not passed our schools face another $6 billion in cuts this year.  Additionally, enrollment will decrease by a minimum of 12,000 students.  Proposition 30 will temporarily increases the sales tax. Additionally, those making over $250,000 will receive a higher income tax rate.    

Ethos: As a college student, this topic directly affects me. I am 21 and am still working towards a nursing degree. I should already be able to transfer to a four-year university but because of the cutbacks I will have to wait another year. I have been unable to take the courses I need in order to transfer into a nursing program. Additionally, the courses that I have taken have been impacted. Often, I find myself sitting on the ground in the back of a lecture hall since all the seats are taken. I have also taken courses at four different community colleges because many are cancelled at the one close to my house. I spend hours commuting and less studying due to this setback. I want to move ahead with my life, and additional cuts to our education system will just set me back more. It is hard to stay positive. As a state, California cannot make any more cuts to our schooling. Educating young Americans is our only way of succeeding as a state in the future.

Pathos: Why would we want to make it harder for our young to get ahead and to get the education they want? We are willing to put in the work and now more cuts would thwart our dreams. If Proposition 30 is not passed future generations would not be as educated as they are today. How can anyone rationalize making more cuts? Limiting one’s ability to succeed is wrong. Will it just keep getting worse in ten years? Things need to change or California’s educational system will be a complete joke, an embarrassment. In order for this to not be the case, Proposition 30 must be passed.

Annotated Bibliographies

Julie Carrow

Annotated Bibliography

"Proposition 30: The Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act of 2012." California State Student Association, n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2012.  <http://www.csustudents.org/whatwedo/ documents/ Legislative%20Affairs%20docs/Prop%20-30-Education-Template.pdf>.

This educational template published by the California State Student Association discusses the impact that Proposition 30 has on California educational institutions.  The document discusses the main proponents of the measure being more money for K-12 and community colleges. Additionally, it discusses the major impact on higher education if the measure is not passed that being a budget cut of $250 million minimum. Additionally, enrollment will decrease by a minimum of 12,000 students.  The document provides factual evidence pertaining to the impact the proposition has monetarily for education and what would happen if not supported. The source of the article is an organization that has publically supported the proposition.

 

“Temporary Taxes To Fund Education. Guaranteed Local Public Safety Funding." League of Women Voters of California, n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2012. <http://cavotes.org/vote/election /2012/november/6/ballot-measure/temporary-taxes-fund-education-guaranteed-local-public-safety-funding>.

The article published by the League of Women Voters of California discusses the pros and cons of Proposition 30. The article discusses the pros and cons of Proposition 30 and whether the California Constitution should be amended. After the article provided a summary of the Proposition, it showed what passing the proposition would do for schools as well as the affect it would have on taxpayers. The article also showed the negative aspects of Proposition 30 like an increase in sales and income tax as well as no assurance that the money will be spent in the classroom. This source seems quite unbiased since it does show the pros and cons. However, the League of Women Voters of California recommends supporting Proposition 30.

 

Reader Response #1

Reader Response

 The article “Reality Check: Anti-Proposition 30 Twists the Facts” reports on the veracity of the recent Anti-Proposition 30 claims. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, which opposes Proposition 30, recently ran a thirty-second radio advertisement on the main California media stations. The ad features a carnival worker pitching Proposition 30 “snake-oil” as well as a statement from Jon Coupal, the president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. Coupal stated that the California School Boards Association says that none of the “new” funding from the Proposition will go to California schools.  The article shows how this information is misleading and provides information that debunks the above mentioned claim. The article states that the California School Boards Association does in fact support Proposition 30. Additionally, the measure will provide 3.6 billion dollars to California schools by the fiscal year ending in June.  Back in May 2012, the California School Boards Association did say that the measure does not supply any “new” funding for California Schools. However, the measure replenishes the funding that had been cut back previously.  The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association took School Boards statement and used the information out of the context that it was given in.

This article is written by the San Jose Mercury News in the midst of the Proposition 30. Proposition 30, also known as Jerry Brown’s Tax Measure, will increase the California’s sales tax by a quarter of a cent per year for four years. Additionally, the measure will increase personal income tax for Californians’ who make over 250,000 dollars per year or joint filers making over $500,000 for seven years. The measure would allot eighty-nine percent of the temporary tax revenue to k-12 schools and eleven percent to community colleges. The article seems very unbiased since it is coming from a reputable newspaper and seems to be more concerned with delivering the facts.  

The main point of the article is to show that Proposition 30 does provide funding to California Schools. I feel that the author does a good job at presenting the claim against Proposition 30 and also providing the facts to show that the claim is dubious. The article states the facts in a very reader friendly manner so that the public can by rightfully informed when it comes to the future of California. Additionally, the article does a good job showing were the claim originated and how the context was skewed by the Anti-proposition 30 group. I feel strongly that the public should know the facts and be informed prior to voting and this article delivered successfully.

week one

1. Why is "Para Teresa" written in English and Spanish?
-I believe Para Teresa is written in both English and Spanish to get that deeper meaning across. It is suppose to catch the readers attention and involve them more into the reading. If the poem was strictly written in English, I think I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much as I did. Since I am familiar with some Spanish, the I was able to follow the poem from both perspectives and cultures.

6. Summarize the article that you researched on Proposition 30
-As we all know, the last few years haven’t been easy for students and teachers in California public schools. Starting from finding it almost impossible to get the classes we need to affording the tuition; college has definitely been a struggle. Beginning in November, voters will decide whether to approve a temporary sales tax increase and income tax hike on the state’s highest earners to restore some of those cuts. Jerry Brown wants to tax the “wealthiest” so that school cuts will decrease. I believe taxing the wealthiest is un-fair because that money is worked hard for, not just given too. Aggravated by budget cuts, the state now spends about $8 billion less on education than it did five years ago. Caused by these budget cuts, many districts have had to minimize classes and programs. Others have had to lay off teachers or reduce the number of school days. After looking at quite a few articles on Proposition 30 I feel that I have a better understanding of what is going on. I am able to understand both sides of the argument.

Op-Ed article

http://0-search.proquest.com.library.cabrillo.edu/nationalnewscore/docview/1033589331/1391512F8325566EAC3/1?accountid=39584

I found this link/article very helpful in explaining to me what Proposition 30 was!

I am

I am a 20 year old college student attending Cabrillo College. I just recently moved to Santa Cruz because one of my dreams has always been to live by the beach. I have a large family, consisting of 5 kids! I am the second youngest of 4 girls and 1 boy. My brother Justin being the oldest, Jessica, Jennifer, myself, and Jamie. Being one of five children I have learned to be very patient and responsible. Having many family members limits my time to spend with my parents. I am a very athletic individual who puts full dedication into my work. I have been playing sports all my life which has taught me the meaning of commitment. I am currently working at two restaurants: Pedro’s Restaurant and Catina and Flames Coffee Shop. I have been employed by both these jobs for over 4 years. Working two jobs to support myself has been a struggle, but it has made me the strong-willed person I am today. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I love walking on the beach and watching sports on television. I feel these assets will benefit the class because I am determined to do my best, along with wanting to help others succeed.