Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/85441
OPINION YES ON 30 education might put California on the road to recovery. Studies show we spend $2,850 per student less than the national average — about $71,000 less per classroom than the average school in America. Our schools need new revenue, so CTA Renewing its commitment to public joins Gov. Jerry Brown in supporting Prop. 30. It requires the wealthiest California residents to pay a little more in taxes, tem- porarily, in order to avoid billions in addi- tional cuts to schools and colleges. Prop 30 is the only initiative that protects public education and addresses the state's chronic budget shortfall. Scrooge, of course, would say it's not his " 2012 ELECTION SPECIAL | VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 30 problem: "It's enough for a man to understand his own business and not to interfere with other people's. Mine occupies me constantly. But shouldn't education be every- body's business? Education is the engine to improve the economy and will fuel the future for California's next generation. So isn't it time for California to stop playing Scrooge and invest in public education instead of making more cuts? California has an opportunity to mend its miserly ways and rescue public educa- tion this November. It won't be easy. But we can work together to pass Proposition 30, which makes billions in new funding avail- able. That money is desperately needed to stop the cuts. It took three ghosts to transform Scrooge's attitude. So now, with Halloween just around the corner, dear reader, we have three ghosts of our own to behold: The Ghost of Education Past, The Ghost of Education Present, and The Ghost of Education Yet to Come. It is hoped their presence will be a haunting reminder of what we had, what we have already lost, and what we stand to lose if Proposition 30 does not pass. Chad Dixon is concerned about class size. "As a Republican, I think we need to pass Prop. 30. We can't afford any more cuts. Public education is our future." PROP 30 WILL HELP Education has always been a political football, but now we're playing with a flat ball. – Pam Baugher 28 California Educator October 2012