California’s Schoolkids Need Bond Funds Now

Re “Regrettably, No on Prop. 55” and “Yes on Schools’ Measure R,” editorials, Feb. 17: The Times says that if the state’s budget and economic outlook was even reasonably good, a higher debt ratio resulting from the passage of Propositions 55 and 57 wouldn’t matter. But school construction is a direct investment in the local economy. Proposition 55 would create hundreds of new jobs and add billions of dollars to local economic activity throughout California.

On the other hand, The Times urges voters to support local Measure R, the Los Angeles Unified School District’s $3.87-billion school facilities bond measure. Without the statewide Proposition 55 bond measure, the LAUSD will not be able to access the matching state funds needed to build new schools and repair its existing aging facilities.

The Times believes we should wait for the November ballot to approve a new statewide school facilities bond measure. But California needs Proposition 55 now so that we can begin repairing the more than 73% of classrooms that are more than 25 years old. We need Proposition 55 now to begin building the more than 22,000 classrooms needed statewide to relieve overcrowding and make room for our growing student population. We must invest in the future of our children and our state.

Carla Nino

President, California State

PTA, Los Angeles