Why I'm voting yes on Propositions 1A-1F
The budget reform package that California voters will decide on tomorrow has caused quite a stir on both the left and right sides of the political spectrum. Those on the left worry about huge cuts to schools and social services being locked into place by some political snafu, while those on the right fret about any temporary tax increases inexplicably being extended for years and years to come, resulting in citizens actually being responsible for paying for services they use.
The propositions up for voter approval, 1A-1F are in fact a compromise that was reached not by those on the extremes from either political party, but indeed by those deemed as most rational from both parties who could be considered to be moderates.
The reality is that if these propositions do not pass in total, the voters themselves will forever be held responsible for the consequences, because the truth of the matter is that the politicians have done all that they could do to barter for these concessions in order to keep the state of California from spiraling down even further into a huge financial abyss.
Even Governor Schwarzenegger has taken what is for him an unusual step forward and put himself right in the middle of the fray by actually taking a leading role in negotiating this compromise, even though politically, because he claims to be a Republican, he will certainly end up paying for it. The governor chose to put the survival of the state of California before the outdated, overly used mantra of the GOP.
It turns out that it was the brave, moderate, yet independent-minded lawmakers in the state government who put the people of California above party politics, so that the state might survive. These people seem to be examples of what future leaders might actually look like.
According to every poll taken over recent months, California voters are extremely worried about the state of our state. And there is reportedly much anger towards some of the elected officials that were voted into office. But right now, we as a state are in desperate need of a financial “safety net” to avoid a complete shut down in California. And as voters we need to step up to the plate and do the right thing, regardless of how painful it may be.
If Propositions 1A-1F fail, and in all likelihood it looks as though they may, the ones who will feel the effects the most will be our schoolchildren, public safety workers, health care providers, senior citizens and hard-working families, who depend on public services the most.
If the so-called financially conservative among us remain unmoved and get their way this time around, it will mean the slashing of funds for schools, health care for children, care of the elderly, services for the disabled, as well as worker and environmental protections. If the uncaring succeed, as is projected that they might, adequate funding for these services will be a thing of the past.
No one is naïve enough to think that the passage of Propositions 1A-1F is a perfect solution to the enormous financial problems that the state faces. But right now this is the only viable way to start to climb out of the gigantic hole we find ourselves in. Doing nothing is not an option, because our children will be the ones who suffer the most.
Nine million California students will be affected by what happens in the voting booths across the state tomorrow. We need to prevent further cuts to schools: $11 billion has already been lost through budget cuts. Failure to pass these measures will result in an additional loss of $23 billion over the next four years. Passing Propositions 1A-1F in total will create long-term budget reforms that will begin to repay schools and colleges the $9.3 billion owed to them under Prop. 98, as was reported on the California Teachers Association (CTA) website.
California public schools currently hold the unfortunate title of being ranked 47th in per-pupil spending in the country, and we already have some of the largest class sizes, which could get even larger. In March of this year, more than 27,000 teachers and support staff across the state received pink slips, the CTA reported. The future of our state depends on the health of public education and our economy relies heavily on a well-educated workforce.
Our elected officials have done their part by reaching a compromise. If California voters fail to do the same, the further decline of our state will fall at our own feet. Do the right thing for our children and their futures, and vote yes on Propositions 1A-1F tomorrow.
ABOUT THE WRITER
Carol Jensen is a long-time Barstow resident, graduating from Kennedy High School and Barstow College, where she was an English instructor for many years. Much of her time now is spent writing political and social commentary. She may be contacted at cajensen49@msn.com.
