By snoadmin
Let’s get ready to rumble.
Two of the most important propositions on the California ballot this year are Proposition 30 and Proposition 38. Both are initiatives that would change tax rates and affect the state’s education system. One could pass, neither could pass, or both could pass – in this case the one with the majority vote would win.
In one corner we have Prop. 30, which will raise California’s sales tax and increase the income tax on those making more than $250,000 a year.
If Prop. 30 does not pass, it will have to compensate for debt through trigger cuts to California’s budget. The education system will be hit mightily. The University of California system, the Cal State University system, the California Community College system and K-12 schools will all see massive cuts.
The CSU system will lose $250 million alone and Cal State Long Beach will see a $13 million loss in particular.
In the other corner we have Prop. 38, which will raise the sales tax on everyone making more than $7,316 annually. The lowest earners will see a 0.4 percent increase and the highest – earning more than $2.5 million annually – will see 2.2 percent.
Some of the money generated from both propositions will go to help K-12 schools and early childhood programs. Only Prop. 30 will give money to higher education.
Our editorial board was not unanimous with the decision, but a great majority did vote in favor of Prop. 30. Why? Because the passage of Prop. 30 is integral to the future of higher education in California.
Students are tired of their tuition raising, but Prop. 30’s failure will guarantee that it will raise more.
It will be nearly impossible to graduate on time because classes will be cut, impacted or tough to crash.
If Prop. 30 fails, CSU students will see a 5 percent tuition increase starting in the spring.
With so much money at stake, both in our school’s budget and our own wallets, there is a metaphorical gun to students heads to vote for Prop. 30’s passage.
If Prop. 30 passes, we students at CSULB will see a $498 refund. Another incentive for us to vote in favor of Prop. 30.
Since Prop. 30 has been placed on the ballot it has been the thorn in California’s education side. We students need to exercise our vote and help save our education. Being silent on this issue will be more detrimental than imaginable.
