LOS ANGELES, CA: Governor Brown’s tax hike proposal was recently put to the test with an unofficial poll, and the results show that many Californians are split over the subject of tax increases in these troubling economic times.
The statewide poll, conducted by a non-partisan Public Policy Institute of California, indicated that 68% of Californians were willing to take on higher sales taxes to protect public education systems, but voters were mainly split over whether they wanted more taxes and more government services, or the opposite.
When it came down to raising taxes to support the ever-weakening CA public education system, 75% of voters supported the increase; without this extra revenue, Brown threatened to cut off $5 billion from the education system’s budget, a cut that would have drastic effects across the state.
Yet, a majority of voters were against Brown’s proposition to reduce funding for programs to aid the poor and the needy, instead arguing for change in Proposition 13. A change in the Proposition would mean that commercial property would be taxed at current market value- something that is not allowed until the property is sold.
“I feel like I would be willing to take a tax increase to make sure that my school, and many other schools across California, receive the proper funding they need. Without this [funding], times would really get tough,” says Joshua Lin, a freshman enrolled in the LAUSD school system. Many students agree, arguing that a small increase in sales tax, something all Californians aren’t new to, is necessary to protect our education system.
However, other students disagree, citing that government spending must be targeted first. “ I find it ridiculously unfair that the [California] government finds it fair to foot the bill on us. We should start by plugging up holes in our government, then by taxing the rich,” says Karen Sun, a junior. Others argued that cutting funds to government programs is detrimental. “If Brown cuts funding for healthcare and welfare, many families will feel the repercussions and suffer,” says Jorge Ramos, a sophomore.
Either way, Brown’s tax plan is an indication that the government is trying to do something about the current economic crisis, yet some argue that trying isn’t enough.
“[We’ve] been guaranteed promise after promise, but I haven’t seen anything done by the government other than petty plans and acts that do nothing but save the government’s image,” says Irene Choi, a senior, “If this proposal doesn’t work, then many Californians will lose faith in change.”
Governor Brown’s popularity has been declining, leaving him with a disapproval rate of 38%, a massive jump from 20% after he first took office. However, there are those that still remain optimistic, hoping that Brown’s plan will be the plan that saves California. “I don’t feel like it’s the American way to give up hope,” says Amanda Kim, sophomore, “progress may be slow, but eventually, our economy will get back on track. I hope Brown’s proposal is the first of these steps towards recovery.”
