Community Corner

Op-Ed: Only Prop. 30 Will Stop Immediate Cuts to Schools

If Prop. 30 fails, school districts will be forced to engage in another, and in many cases much worse, round of cutbacks. We must support Prop. 30 for this election.

Proposition 30 is the only initiative that will stop the immediate and severe cuts schools will face in January ($6 billion total).  Our public universities and community colleges will also be cut by another $1 billion, causing severe reductions in offerings/opportunities and significant increases in tuition.  By contrast, Proposition 38 will do nothing to avoid this immediate cut, nor will it ever provide assistance to our colleges or universities. 

If Proposition 30 fails, districts will be forced to engage in another, and in many cases much worse, round of cutbacks.  The school year may be reduced by 15 days, which if continued would cause the average student to lose more than a year’s worth of education during his/her academic career.  Class sizes will increase, more programs and support services will be eliminated, and more jobs will be lost. 

By passing Proposition 30, the overwhelming majority of Californians will only be asked to make a small, temporary investment in our future.  If passed, Proposition 30 will increase the state sales tax by 0.25% for four years (that’s only 25 cents for every $100 spent).  The California Budget Project estimates this investment will cost the average middle class family less than $55 per year.  By contrast, Proposition 38 will increase the income tax rate on virtually all Californians, even those earning under $15,000/year. 

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Please join me a local citizen in supporting Proposition 30!

Christine Jessup is a San Bruno resident.

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