“Learning outcomes are maximized when a
diverse group values individual strengths to
achieve common goals. Our students, parents,
teachers and staff, local business, government
and community organizations all contribute
to creating a positive school climate that is
unique in Morgan Hill.”
Steve Betando, MHUSD Superintendent
LCFF and $373 million for other programs, primarily special
education programs. As Flores noted, “It’s a small increase,
but we welcome it.”
Based on what they’ve heard from Sacramento, our school
districts must provide their budgets to the county before the
state’s revised budget is released in early May. Then it’s fingers
crossed that nothing substantially changes between May and
June when the state will approve and adopt the final budget.
Ballot Initiatives in 2020
In 2020, the Fair and Full Funding Initiative will be on the
ballot. If passed, it would apply pressure on corporations to
loosen their grip on tax breaks and exemptions, and shift
much-needed funds to education.
According to California Budget and Policy Center (CBPC)
data, in the past 30 years, the share of California corporate
income paid in state taxes declined by more than 50 percent.
Looking at 2016, the most recent year for which data is
available, our state budget would have received $10.9 billion
more revenue had corporations paid the same share of their
income in taxes as they did in 1981. Corporate tax breaks,
exemptions, and deductions add further adverse impacts.
For example, a tax break dating back to 1987, described
by the CBPC as a ‘water’s edge’ provision, cost the state
roughly $2.2 billion in 2018-19 alone. In total, California
is projected to spend $6.6 billion on tax expenditures for
corporations in 2018-19. By reducing spending on corporate
tax breaks, the state would have more resources available to
invest in systems and programs such as higher education and
workforce development that would not only help improve
the lives of Californians, but also boost the state’s economy
and produce an educated workforce that would benefit the
state’s employers, including major corporations.
“Lower per-student funding means larger class sizes, less
favorable student-teacher ratios, and reduced services,” Flores
said. “People have to vote their conscience, but this vote will
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
april/may 2019
gmhtoday.com
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