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?