Letter: Mother urges support for Prop. 30

Our schools have been cut by $20 billion statewide during the past four years, resulting in larger classes; shorter school years, reduced programs and higher tuition.

Unless Proposition 30 prevails, according to the California Department of Finance, the January trigger budget cuts will result in an additional average reduction of $457 per student.

Sutter County schools alone will suffer an additional loss of $9.1 million in revenue. The school year may be reduced by 20 days, which if continued would cause the average student to lose more than a year's worth of education during his/her academic career. Our community colleges and universities will be cut by $1 billion. In contrast, Proposition 38 will not spare these cuts, and will not fund higher education.

By passing Proposition 30, the overwhelming majority of Californians will only be asked to make a small, temporary investment in our future. It will increase sales tax by 0.25 percent — 25 cents per $100 — for four years and the income tax component will only affect individuals earning at least $250,000 or $500,000 jointly. Funds will be secured in an Education Protection Account, audited annually.

If Proposition 30 prevails, it will stop the cuts, pay off $10 billion debt to schools and provide funding to better educate our future work force. As a mom and local community member, please join me in doing our part to help restore our future, our students' future, and California by supporting Proposition 30.

Catherin McGuigan

Yuba City