A message on Prop. 30 and its effects
I want to thank the organizers of the Yes on Proposition 30 and No on Proposition 32 campaigns for inviting me to speak at the campus rally on Oct. 18. Also, I want to apologize if I offended anyone with the occasional “F-bombs” I dropped during my speech. As a senior citizen, I had some flashbacks to rallies when I spoke at Cal State Long Beach against the Vietnam War and around other issues during the late 60s and early 70s.
Actually, my colorful language was also the result of some frustration. As I commended the students and faculty who organized the rally, I also couldn’t help but notice the thousands of students who just walked by ignoring all the speakers and, more importantly, the issues at hand.
I know most all CSU students are trying to finish their degrees, probably work and some even have families of their own. Keeping focused and their “eye on the prize” is critical and what they’re on campus for. But, I can’t help but wonder if they know what’s at stake.
As I see it, we need a balanced approach to dealing with the second worst economic situation our country has ever faced. I don’t see how we can “cut” our way out of this situation when our tax base, state income tax, property tax and sales tax have shrunk to devastating levels.
I agree, we need to live within our means, but doing it by cuts alone is like fighting the battle. In the early 90s when Republican Gov. Pete Wilson instituted a temporary tax on the highest income earners in the state, we needed to bring in some badly needed revenue. That’s what Prop. 30 does. The difference is that Wilson, along with the legislature, instituted the tax hike on their own and Gov. Jerry Brown is asking the electorate.
So what’s the decision the voters have to make? It is not just an economic decision; it is a decision about what government services should be provided, to whom they should be provided and who will pay for these services. This is where the differences on how government should operate are crystal clear. To put this into terms of “self interest,” if we don’t pass Prop. 30 students and their families will be taxed more in the form of tuition hikes and additional fees. If we don’t pass Prop. 30, fees will be increased, but class offerings will be reduced – you’ll pay more for less.
So CSU students, keep your eye on the prize but don’t have tunnel vision. Vote “yes” on Prop 30.
Warren T. Furutani is a California Assemblymember.