Monday, 4/7/97
Tax increase will sponsor public school improvement
Although the Los Angeles Unified School District must increase
its efficiency in getting funding to the classrooms, we support
Bond Proposition BB. A massive investment in our K-12 public
schools is a major step in improving the quality of life in Los
Angeles, especially in underrepresented communities.
Through the use of a mandatory Oversight Committee to monitor
LAUSD spending, we feel the money generated by this measure can be
put to good use.
The measure would authorize the sale of $2.4 billion in general
obligation bonds. The principal interest on these bonds would be
paid by School District homeowners through property taxes.
Opponents warn that the measure will mean a major tax hike.
However, an average of $37.14 per year would be paid for each
$100,000 in property value. A middle-class resident with a $250,000
home will pay approximately $7.75 per month. While we are not quick
to advocate tax increases, we feel this is a small price to pay for
better schools.
If the Oversight Committee, along with the LAUSD, is held
accountable for making sure the money gets to the schools without
slipping through bureaucratic cracks, this bond measure will help
put our K-12 public schools back on track.