Proposal

-->

Proposal

Prop 30

Argument: Prop 30 is not perfect, but, it’s the best we got

Logos: What is Prop 30?

“Proposition 30 is no substitute for long-term reforms in education funding pensions and other areas, but it is a measured and sensible response to this crisis”(San Jose Mercury News)

Increases personal income tax on annual earnings for those who make over 250,000 for seven years

Increases sales and use tax by one fourth of a cent for four years

Allocates temporary tax revenues 89% to k-12 schools and 11% to community colleges

Bars use of funds for administrative costs, but provides local school governing boards discretion to decide, in open meetings and subject to annual audit, how funds are supposed to be spent

One of my reservations about this proposition is the wiggle room politicians may have to improperly disperse funding. Although “legislative shenanigans” are obviously no fun, and are somewhat always hindering over anything-because it’s politics. Opposed to Proposition 38’s risk of a bureaucracy. So, that is why I am hoping for the best, because our education system is simply inexcusable. Prop 30 maybe a “crash course tax reform”, but it is something.

Pathos: “The measures biggest selling point is what happens if it doesn’t pass” (Los Angeles Times)

1.     California’s current public education system’s ranking, and funding

-California ranked 35^th in national per pupil funding and 47^th in science

2. If we have too few qualified workers, we are putting our economy at risk in the future

3. Higher tuition if it doesn’t pass (compared to a .25% of a cent tax bump)

Ethos: I am a Cabrillo college student. If proposition 30 fails, Cabrillo alone will face an additional cut estimated to be about 3.5 million. After already cutting an estimated 400 classes, even more are at risk. This results in impacted classes, or for some, simply, no classes. Students (or those who wish to be) are often waitlisted for classes, or denied. Not only our classes are being revoked, but, many of our facilities are at risk. I cherish Cabrillo’s academic resources, such as the “Math Learning Center” with out it, or many other resources like it, there is no way the quality of students education would not plummet. Education should not be a competition, nor is it something to be compromised, an education of the equivalent should be just as much attainable for you, as the person sitting next to you.  Additionally, I rely heavily upon financial aid. I work to support myself and in order to even be able to attend school I depend on its assistance. Unfortunately, many others (if not most) face the same struggle I do. Our generation was always taught that school was the only way to make a decent life for your self and even in times of economic hardship an education was supposed to provide some sense of security, however, a good education is beginning to start sounding like a fairy tale. I am a young adult, simply trying to make something of myself and I believe I reserve the right to do so.