Prop 100

Special Election May 18
Proposition 100; Temporary Sales Tax Increase

An important reminder and an update:

A special election will be held May 18th to allow voters to decide whether to levy a temporary state sales tax increase of cent. Funds provided by the passage of Proposition 100 would be dedicated to education, health and human services, and public safety.

The increase would raise an estimated $1 billion per year in Fiscal Years 2011 (beginning this July) and 2012 and 2013; it would automatically repeal on May 31, 2013. The ballot language states that, “Two-thirds of the revenues shall be appropriated for public primary and secondary education.” Because there is such a large deficit projected for 2011, this would not be additional or new money at all. The temporary sales tax would help to lessen the budget cuts.

The legislature recently approved the state budget for Fiscal Year 2011. $385 million will be cut from K-12 education even if the temporary sales tax increase passes. If voters do not approve the increase, the cuts to K-12 statewide would be $428 million MORE. School district budget expenditures are largely for personnel. Budget cuts of this magnitude would most certainly result in teacher layoffs and increased class sizes across the state of Arizona.

In PVUSD, this equates to $7 million in state funding that will be cut from the 2010-11 school year budget even if voters approve the temporary sales tax increase. If voters do not pass the increase, an additional cut of $13 million cut will be made. In that case, the total reduction in state funding for next school year is estimated to be $20 million.

Superintendent James Lee recently penned a letter detailing the specific cuts that would be made if the sales tax increase is not approved, calling them “widespread and significant.” Please visit the district website to read Dr. Lee’s letter.

You are encouraged to be informed and to share information with friends and family. Campaigns are organizing; if you have strong feelings on this issue you may want to contribute your money or your time.

Important dates to remember:
April 19, 2010        Last day to register to vote
April 22, 2010        Early voting begins (those of you who have been added to the Permanent Early Voter List will automatically receive your ballot in the mail)
May 7, 2010        Last day to request an early ballot