More money must be allocated in order to improve our educational system.

With the United States’ rapidly declining economy and an even faster increase of national debt, it’s no small surprise that the education system of the country is also suffering. To elevate the quality of education there needs to be an increase of financial support. China’s education system is a solid example. Over the last 20 years, funding for education in China has increased almost 300 percent and the results can be seen in China’s ranking in an international test of 15-year-olds’ proficiency in math and reading: first in both categories. The United States’ scores pale in comparison: we are 11th in reading and 26th in math. We are already falling behind in quality of education and the only way to solve our growing problem is to follow an example of China’s success. It is imperative that we increase funding for education, and Proposition 30 will do just that.

Many opposers of the proposition claim that the money will never reach the classroom, but their view is in fact misled. The proposition  gives the local school board control over the money, effectively guaranteeing that schools get financial support where they need it the most, whether it be support for new facilities, teachers, or both.It also provides the schools with more flexibility in the way the funds are used, and they will no longer be required to adhere to a strict set of rules that often comes with government money.

If passed, Prop. 30 will raise CaliTfornia’s sales tax from 7.25 percent to 7.5 percent and impose a higher income tax rate on those earning more than $250,000, with a higher rate for those with a greater income. The money generated will help stop any other cuts to schools and prevent the $6 billion dollar deficit that schools are currently facing from getting larger.

Furthermore, since Prop. 30 has a “life” of only seven years, voters need not worry about a permanent commitment to higher taxes. This time frame gives the education system just enough time to kick start its recovery while refraining from pulling the taxpayers into a long-term commitment.

In addition, the tax is mainly aimed at the middle to higher class, making sure that those who do not have the ability to pay such money are given a reprieve.

In acknowledgement of the proposition, the California State University network has stated that if the ballot initiative passes, tuition for its schools could be lowered by nearly nine percent. However, they have also warned that if the tax increase fails, budget cuts that raise tuition costs will go into effect instead.

If passed, Prop. 30 will give aspiring students support and hope. Now is not the time to throw away another lifeline that could save our state’s educational system. We need to devote our all into promoting a glowing educational system that will give rise to top-tier students who can go on to change the world for the better. California is the ideal place to start the recovery of our country’s education system. One simple vote can push us toward a better future and help maintain our country’s status as a superpower.