Our
view
Prop
47 benefits CSULB
Of all the propositions on this year’s ballot,
probably the most controversial is the measure
involving the construction and renovation
of public education facilities.
Proposition 47 would allow the state to
sell general obligation bonds in order to
build classrooms, repair old ones and improve
safety at California schools.
One of the main arguments against Proposition
47 is that it favors Los Angeles Unified
School District over other state districts.
However, as supporters of the measure agree,
shouldn’t funds be targeted to areas with
the greatest need? Those who oppose the
measure believe that targeting schools that
need the most help is a bad thing, but logically,
it is not. Many schools in LAUSD are old
and dilapidated. These are just the schools
that need the most funds for repair and
enlargement.
Furthermore, those opposed to the proposition,
including the California Taxpayers Coalition,
Northern California Committee for Limited
Government, argue that California is already
in too much debt to take on more debt. Of
course, what must be taken into account
is the fact that most of the people in the
organizations that oppose the measure have
their children in private schools, schools
that don’t need classroom construction or
repair. Simply put, Proposition 47 will
not benefit them, so they don’t want it.
However, Proposition 47 will benefit the
schools in California who do need classroom
construction and repair. Proposition 47
is good and necessary for California.
As students at a California State University,
there is no reason why not to vote yes on
Proposition 47. The measure will provide
funds that will also be used to upgrade
and construct new classrooms at the California
Community Colleges, University of California
and the California State University. These
funds are desperately needed due to rising
enrollment.
In fact, our very own campus will be negatively
affected if Proposition 47 does not pass.
If the measure passes, it will provide funds
to upgrade the University Library, equipment
for the new science building and for renovation
of the Peterson Hall.
Those reasons alone should be enough for
a Cal State Long Beach student to vote yes
on Proposition 47.
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