Voter Guide: Proposition 30 - Jerry Brown's Tax Increase for Education

[Barry]

From the Pacific Sun:

YES - With the state Legislature unable to sniff any sort of agreement on revenue enhancement—i.e., tax increases—to deal with the out of control budget, Prop. 30 would raise income taxes on folks earning $250,000 or more for seven years, and raise the sales tax by a quarter-cent for four years. Most of the $6.8 billion raised from the tax hike will go to K-12 schools, and some will go to community colleges. Gov. Jerry Brown is making Prop. 30's passage a key part of his budget overhaul and the primary goal of his 2012 agenda. Opponents' arguments vary from the expected "we'll never know where the money goes" to the red herring "they wouldn't need this if they'd not authorized light rail." They point out that California already has a high income tax—yet are silent on Prop. 13, which has stifled property tax revenues and contributed in no small way to the current fiscal crisis. Brown's current budget includes deep cuts that many in his own party thought were extreme; it's time those on the other side of the tracks ponied up. A 21st century state cannot increase population, repair and enhance aging infrastructure and provide a reasonable safety net for the general welfare using 20th century revenue numbers.

California Democratic Party: Yes - Protects funding for schools and local public safety

Green Party of California: Yes - The Green Party endorses Prop 30, but with many reservations.

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