Yes on 55 Reminds Californians of Why We Can’t Go Back to Deep Cuts to Education

SACRAMENTO – The Yes on Prop. 55 campaign today released its first 30-second ad, “Can’t Go Back,” reminding Californians of the devastating cuts made to education during the Great Recession and describing how Proposition 55 will keep us from going back. The ad lists the cuts schools and students were forced to bear and features real teachers explaining how Prop. 55 will prevent cuts.

The ad begins airing statewide today to coincide with “Back to School” time.

“Without Prop. 55, we know our schools will be forced back in to an era of cuts,” said Jennifer Wonnacott, campaign spokesperson. “This television ad is part of a broad effort asking voters to stand up for our students and help prevent cuts by voting yes on Prop. 55 this November.”

Budget forecasts show that unless we extend the taxes on the wealthy, which would continue to bring in an average of $8 billion in annual revenues, our public schools will lose nearly $4 billion and our state budget will face a deficit of more than $4 billion in the first full year alone.

Proposition 55 is supported by a large group of education advocates including the California Teachers Association, California Federation of Teachers, California School Employees Association, California State PTA, and Association of California School Administrators, as well as dozens of schools boards across the state. Health care providers, community advocacy organizations, labor groups and many others are joining education groups in support of Prop. 55 including the California Medical Association, California Labor Federation, Health Access California, League of Women Voters, Children’s Defense Fund, and Children’s Hospital Association.

Prop. 55, the California Children’s Education and Health Care Protection Act of 2016, maintains the current income tax rates on the wealthiest Californians for 12 more years – singles earning more than $250,000 and couples earning more than $500,000 a year. Prop. 55 directs funds specifically to K-12 public education and community colleges, while also allocating funds to health care for low-income children and their families. The proposition contains strict accountability requirements.

A recent Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) survey found that 64% of voters support extending the income tax rates on the wealthiest individuals and couples to spare education and other vital services from a repeat round of devastating budget cuts.

For more information, visit www.YesOn55.com.
Campaign media contact:
Jennifer Wonnacott
(916) 996-3672
Jennifer@WonnacottStrategies.com