Funding Our Future

I have a few questions for Gov. Wilson: What happened to Proposition 98? Is it my mistake, or is California a part of a democratic nation? Doesn’t that mean “rule by the people”?

In 1989, the people’s voices were heard when Proposition 98, ensuring stable funding to the schools, was passed. Even so, here we are in 1991 watching student populations climb to gross figures, and at the same time, finances are being cut.

Something here doesn’t match up. How can we expect children to receive a fulfilling education while class sizes are growing, and supplies and staff positions diminishing?

Most angering is the consideration of eliminating school psychologists from our education system. As a junior in high school, I have witnessed the trying years of adolescence and have seen many students find friends or themselves on the verge of alcoholism, drug addictions and suicide.

In many cases, the difference between life and death is the professional help offered by our present education system. Even if only one life is saved, isn’t it worth the money?

Obviously, this frustration is not a new issue. It has been reverberated several times ever since the announcement of the new budget cuts. Hopefully, the arguments won’t silence until the people’s voices are heard again.

As stated several times before: Our children are our future and they deserve every penny we can give them.

LYN MEINECKE, Laguna Niguel