Please vote Yes on Propositions 30 and 38

I had a discussion with a colleague today regarding the funding of public education in California and the propositions on the ballot. We were heated in our analysis of the situation, even though we are on the same side.  We both plan on voting YES on Proposition 30 and 38. We are angry because our children's education is being held hostage.

I don't have an alternative to public education for my children.  I would not consider homeschooling my two children and I cannot afford to send them to private school. I have to believe in the merits of public education. I believe our teachers are trained and guided to educate and nurture our students. I believe in the benefits of being in a classroom and gaining important social skills. But I also believe our system is broken. So my children's education continues to be held hostage.  Californians need to vote yes on Propositions 30 and 38.

Education provides a means of growing students into productive members of our society.  Continued cutting from this institution will result in fewer well prepared young adults.  We cannot allow our children to end up poorly prepared for college, for employment, for a productive life.  Education is the key.  Funding education should matter to everyone.

Regardless of where you stand on HOW to fund education, the bottom line is, that everyone needs to vote yes on Propositions 30 and 38.   Vote to fund public education.  We cannot change what politicians have done in the past.  Without a new tax, public education will to continue to suffer. The passage of Propositions 30 and 38 is the best chance for students in California to preserve what they have now, and NOT lose more. It will give our state, school districts and communities time to work towards major changes and real reform in education funding and spending. This needs to happen for all our children. Until that happens my children's education continues to be held hostage.  Please join me in voting YES on Propositions 30 and 38.