Voters will decide on tax hike for school funding
Joseph Starkloff
On May 18, Arizona residents will have the opportunity to cast their vote on Proposition 100, which is a 1 percent tax hike over a three-year span. The money generated from the tax is anticipated to go toward state education, health care and public safety.
Patricia Hill, director of state and local government relations for Maricopa, stated at a recent governing board meeting that if Proposition 100 does not pass, then state appropriations to the community colleges would drop by approximately $13 million in 2011.
Brian Schlomach, the director of the center for economic prosperity at the Goldwater Institute, commented about the proposition on the organization’s website on April 22, saying that “modern empirical results make it clear that a tax increase will damage our economic growth.”
Brian Arenson, a physical science professor at MCC, stated the contrary to Schlomach’s assessment.
“Most of us aren’t going to notice a 1 percent increase,” Arenson said.
He stated that Proposition 100 is necessary to help local schools that have cut as much as they could from their budgets.
“The schools are tightening their belts as much as they can . they’ve downsized, they’ve raise class sizes (and) they’ve cut out a lot of auxiliary personnel,” he said.
Courtney Chung, an adjunct professor at MCC, echoed much of Arenson’s sentiments.
“I think that at this point it’s essential that voters consider it and approve it, because this was something that should have been dealt with six months ago, or a year ago,” she said.
Several students at MCC stated their support of Postposition 100 as well.
“I see taxes as an unfortunate evil and a plague” Andre Salais, ASMCC executive vice president, said. “This tax is a necessary evil.”
He stated that the possible loss in school funding could have a negative effect on the local economy.
“It’s 1 percent; it’s not going to be devastating. What would be devastating is an inability to fund our schools. If we’re not able to provide for our schools, we can’t provide the educated work force we need to have a competitive economy in Arizona,” Salais said.
Latrice Jones, an MCC student, stated that the tax hike would have no effect on her shopping habits.
“It wouldn’t stop me from spending, because you need to spend in order to get,” Jones said.
More information on Proposition 100 can be found at http://www.azsos.gov/election/2010/May_Special/Info/PubPamphlet/english/Prop100.htm
