YES ON 30 & YES ON 38

Letter To The Editor of the Santa Monica Mirror by Mary Ann Garvey, Treasurer University High (LAUSD) PTSA  | http://bit.ly/SvCUib

Oct. 30, 2012, 9:18 am 

Dear editor:

Help our schools on November 6^th by voting yes on both Propositions 30 and 38!

California schools have the largest class sizes in the nation, they rank 50^th out of the 50 states. California schools also rank 47^th nationally in per pupil spending. California voters have the opportunity to do something about this by voting yes on 30 and 38

Voting for both 30 and 38 increases the likelihood that one of the initiatives will pass. A divided vote will make it more difficult to achieve the simple majority needed. Should both pass, the one with the largest majority will become law. As Californians, we all need to contribute to improving our schools because we will all share in the benefits better schools will bring to our state’s economy and quality of life.

Proposition 30 will provide $6 billion a year in additional revenues for the first 4 years (2013 – 2016) with a ¼ cent increase in sales tax and a higher state income tax for earners over $250,000. The amount for the remaining 3 years (2017 – 2019) will be less since the revenues will be based only on the state income tax increase.

Proposition 38 will provide $10 billion a year in additional revenues for 12 years (2013 - 2024) with a progressive state income tax increase. (You can find out what your additional tax obligation after all deductions will be at www.moneyforlocalschools.org/taxcalculator.) These funds will be in addition to the Proposition 98 guaranteed funding for schools. In the first 4 years of Proposition 38, 30% of the $10 billion raised will be used to pay off state debt, thereby freeing up funds in the state budget for other expenditures; 60% will go directly to K-12 schools and 10% will used for Early Care and Education for preschoolers. For the remaining 8 years Proposition 38 is in effect, 85% will go to schools and 15% for Early Care and Education. (You can find out how much your school(s) will receive during these 12 years at www.moneyforlocalschools.org/restore.)

Join me in voting yes on 30 and 38 to ensure that at least one of these propositions passes. California schools need more funding. That’s a fact! It is up to us voters to make sure our schools receive it.

• Mary Ann Garvey is a former member of the California State PTA Board of Managers, past president of Los Angeles Tenth District PTSA  and is  Treasurer University High School PTSA . Her opinions are her own – but are shared by 4LAKids.