Prop 76: "Live Within Our Means" Prop 76: "Live Within Our Means" (November 04, 2005)

Prop 76 hurts schools

As a parent and PTA member who is deeply concerned with the education of all children in California, I am strongly opposed to Proposition 76 on the Nov. 8 special election ballot.

California already ranks as one of the most poorly funded education systems in the country. Proposition 76 would result in further school funding cuts and hurt our kids. If this measure passes, it would result in a permanent loss to our schools of $3.8 billion or $600 for every child each year. This means more over-crowded classrooms; more teacher layoffs; more cuts in arts and music programs; fewer librarians, nurses and counselors; and fewer textbooks. Our children deserve better.

Proposition 76 would alter the funding formula specified in Proposition 98, passed by voters of California in 1988, which provides a constitutionally guaranteed minimum level of funding for public education. It would serve to make our public schools vulnerable to severe spending cuts year after year. Proposition 76 would allow the governor alone to cut additional funding for schools in the middle of the year, creating havoc for local school budgets.

In addition to the threats to education funding, Proposition 76 would eliminate our constitutional system of checks and balances. It would give the governor unprecedented powers including the ability to cut General Fund spending across the board if revenues fall below forecast levels.

Proposition 76 won't solve our state's budget problems, but it will hurt our local schools. On Nov. 8, vote no on Proposition 76. - Debbie Look is president of the Pleasanton PTA Council
Prop 76 will fix budget woes

California is on the road to recovery. State budget General Fund revenues are increasing, workers compensation costs have been reduced, $3 billion more is allocated for education this year and transportation project funding is being restored.

There is more to do. Proposition 76 is the next step to give the legislature and governor the tools and responsibility to manage the $112 billion dollar budget. Like well-run businesses, Prop 76 requires the state to manage the budget quarterly and make adjustments if revenues are running short. The legislature has 45 days to rebalance revenues and expenses. If they can't, the governor is required to do so.

Every year when the state fails to meet the budget deadline, schools, cities, counties and vendors are impacted as payments from the state are disrupted. Prop 76 continues the current budget until the new one is approved. Prop 76 requires the state to control the rate of spending growth. When times are good, dedicated reserve funds will grow. These funds will take care of essential programs like education and health services during economic downturns.

The nonpartisan California Taxpayers Association (caltax.org) has estimated that education funding will increase with Prop 76. The League of California Cities, the California State Association of Counties and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association recognize the need for continued reform and support Prop 76.

Keep California on the path to a better tomorrow so we can fund education, transportation, human services, public safety and debt reduction. Vote yes on 76. -Carl Palowitch, the owner of a technology consulting practice, is a Board Member of the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce and a member of the City of Pleasanton Kottinger Place Redevelopment Task Force.

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