Most of us want similar things: good schools for our children, a healthy family, and safe neighborhoods. But for nearly four decades, big corporations have not been paying their fair share, leaving California with the most overcrowded classrooms in the US and with some of the worst ratios of counselors, librarians, and nurses per student.
In January, SDEA members are kicking off a signature gathering campaign to change that. Along with other labor and community groups, SDEA members are collecting signatures for the Schools and Communities First ballot initiative. It closes commercial property tax loopholes benefiting a fraction of corporations and wealthy investors, without affecting homeowners or renters, reclaiming $12 billion every year to fund schools and strengthen local economies.
With Schools and Communities First, San Diego Unified stands to reclaim $45 million every year to fund our schools. What could an extra $45 million buy for San Diego Unified?
• About 475 teachers, or
• A full-time nurse and full-time counselor in every school, or
• About 900 paraeducators, or
• A 7.5% raise for educators
Think for a moment about the spending that is most important to you. What would you like to see changed?
To qualify for the 2020 ballot, we need to collect 1.6 million signatures from registered voters statewide. SDEA is committed to gathering 3,700 signatures. You can join the effort by talking to your school’s AR about signing on and helping collect signatures from co-workers, friends and family.
For more information, visit www.cta.org/taxfairness and www.schoolsandcommunitiesfirst.org
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