California schools, colleges and universities have suffered drastic cuts in funding over the last few years. A June, 2012 study of the state school funding that claims to be the most comprehensive is ranking California in 31st place, with an adjusted per pupil spending of $9,030 – $1,102 below the adjusted U.S. average of $10,132 and nearly $7,000 below top-ranked Wyoming.
With AAUW’s interest in Education it behooves us to pay attention to the two propositions on the California ballot that directly affect the funding of Education in California — proposition 30 and 36.
Proposition 30 is Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposal to raise the sales tax by a quarter-cent for four years and raise income taxes on high earners for seven. That will provide about $6 billion a year almost entirely for schools, community colleges and the Cal State and UC systems. The money is included in this year’s budget, so if 30 fails, it will trigger deep cuts in the school year, higher college tuition and fewer seats in community colleges.
Propositon 38, Molly Munger’s proposal, would increase taxes on earnings using a sliding scale, for twelve years. Revenues go to K–12 schools and early childhood programs, and for four years to repaying state debt. The revenue for Education would go directly to the schools on a per pupil basis, and not to the Districts which can more appropriately allocate the money according to the needs of the individual schools. The money cannot be used for teachers’ salaries which is often the biggest need. No money is provided for colleges and universities.
If both measures should pass, the proposition which received the most Yes votes will win and the other proposition would be dropped. If neither pass, then Education will see deeper cuts in K-12 schools and colleges and universities.
If Proposition 38 should get the most votes the spending reductins (know as the “trigger cuts” would take effect as a result of Proposition tax increases not going into effect. The trigger cuts would mean $6 billion in automatic cuts to schools and universities which could mean a shortened school year, teacher layoffs and steep tuition increases in higher education.
AAUW CA recommends a YES vote on Proposition 30.