Last week, we wrote about some confusion about what is, and isn’t, on the ballot in the ongoing spring primary ballot that closes next Tuesday.*** But let’s be clear: if you care about public education, you should vote yes on State Measure 13 or Prop 13.
As we noted last week, Prop 13 is a statewide bond measure that will raise $15 bllion to use for immediate costs, to fix crumbling schools, upgrade emergency response equipment and basically make the structures our students learn in more modern and safe.
It has nothing to do with the 1978 ballot proposition that capped property tax rates in California. It has nothing to do with the Schools and Communities First ballot proposition about tax loopholes that will be on the ballot this fall.
Most major newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times, have backed Measure 13 noting that our school campuses aren’t exactly in the best shape. However, the usual coalition of anti-tax groups and conservative newspapers are making the argument that Californians already pay too much for education and that the measure has “sneaky” language that changes the formula for how schools receive state funding and how new housing is build near school districts.
California currently ranks 31st in per-pupil spending compared to the rest of the states in the country. No matter what other statistics you hear about various bonds and propositions, that number is what it is: too low on the rankings.
There’s a lot that can be debated about policies that encourage multi-family housing and statewide funding formulas for schools. But it is undisputable that the physical structures our students are learning in, need help. This ballot measure sends help.
*** – Currently, California voters can vote by mail before next Tuesday’s primary. Some places are also having early voting over the weekend and of course next Tuesday is primary day with polling locations throughout the state. If you’re at all confused about where to vote goto www.lavote.net, or click here to find your polling place.