Final Draft

Julie Carrow

English 1A

Professor Knapp

14 October 2012

 

Yes on Proposition 30: For a Better California

 

Education is the foundation of our future. Franklin D. Roosevelt stated that “the real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.” Our country’s future relies on the knowledge of today’s youth.  However, our struggling economy is forcing states to make budget cuts to our educational system. Over the past 4 years, more than $20 billion in funding has been taken from public education in California alone. When one looks at the connection between student achievement and a state’s commitment to fund education, California is in the bottom ten percent of national standings for both.  What is more shocking is that California ranks 47th in a state’s per-pupil spending, which is $2,400 below the national average. According to California State Student Association, California is ranked dead last in student-to-teacher ratio. Our college and university system is central to our State’s appeal. Indeed, it has long been one of our most vital competitive advantages. Our educational system has attracted many talented people and businesses. Our economy relies on an educated population.

         Unfortunately, more cuts to California’s educational system are set to occur this year and in the upcoming years. Luckily, Governor Jerry Brown brought Proposition 30: Schools and Safety Protection Act to the ballot this November 6, 2012, to thwart these proposed cuts to our educational system. Given that the State of California is already ranked poorly and Californians are already suffering from recent educational cuts, it is imperative that Proposition 30 is passed to save our system.  

 

Proposition 30 is an initiative constitutional amendment. This means that Proposition 30 would alter the state of California’s Constitution. Proposition 30, also known as Jerry Brown’s Tax Measure, will increase California’s sales tax by a quarter of a cent per year from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2016. Currently, California’s statewide sales tax rate is 7.25 percent. The tax increase would raise it to 7.50 percent. Additionally, the measure will increase personal income tax for Californians’ who make over 250,000 dollars per year and for joint filers making over 500,000 dollars per year for seven years. This income tax increase will affect roughly one percent of Californians.  In contrast, the numbers show that in California roughly six million Californians had incomes below the poverty line in 2010.

 

Proposition 30 would allot eighty-nine percent of the temporary tax revenue to K-12 schools and eleven percent to community colleges. The billions in new funding will go towards smaller class sizes, rehiring teachers, public safety, and social programs.  Additionally, Proposition 30 impacts public safety. Proposition 30 would guarantee funding for all counties that are managing state prisoners under the new realignment program. The new realignment program is meant to ease crowding in state prisons. 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.  

 

Critics of Proposition 30 say that there is no guarantee that the revenue would be spent properly and end up in the classroom. However, Proposition 30 is very specific on how its funding would be allocated. Revenues from Proposition 30 will be deposited in the Educational Protection Account or EPA. According to the California League of Women Voters, the bulk of Proposition 30 funds would go directly to K-12 school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools. The remaining eleven percent of funds would go directly to the community colleges. Each school district will receive at least two-hundred dollars in EPA funds per student.  Each community college district would receive at least one-hundred dollars in funds per student as well. Each school district, charter school, and community college district has the power of deciding where the funds from EPA are used. However, to safeguard any frivolous spending, each district is required to hold public meeting when making spending decisions.  Further, the opposition claims that it does not include any budget reform. Proponents of Proposition 30 believe that it is more important to save our schools now and demand reform in the future. Without Proposition 30 our education system will crumble with more cuts, and who is to say even if Proposition 30 is not passed that any budget reform would occur.

 

I have always stated that I have a right to an education and that it is one of my fundamental freedoms. Education must be accessible to me. As a college student, this topic directly affects me. I am 21-years-old and am still working towards a nursing degree. I should already be able to transfer to a four-year university but because of the recent 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. Like many of my classmates I often find myself sitting on the ground in the back of a lecture hall since all the seats are taken. I have also had to take courses at four different community colleges because many courses have been cancelled at the one close to my house. I spend hours commuting and less time 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. My story is not unique. Many face these challenges. What will next year look like? Will it take me eight or nine years to become a registered nurse? 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.

 

Why would we want to make it harder for our youth 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. Prop 30 is the key to getting California back on track and investing in our common future. In order for this to not be the case, Proposition 30 must be passed. I am ready to take stand for California education. Are you?