Here is why Proposition 15 matters to State Center Community College District

For 27-year-old Gaby, the daughter of farm workers, completing her nursing associate degree at Fresno City College six years ago altered the course of her life and that of her family. By the time she became a registered nurse, her income was three times what her parents made — combined.

When COVID-19 hit home and her mom lost her job, it was Gaby’s job security and income that held the family together. But, on Aug. 10, Gaby’s profession also became the lifeline for the 96 patients who were now in the ICU unit at her hospital. She was part of the medical teams that kept these patients breathing. It was also her ability to speak Spanish that kept heartbroken and scared family members informed and updated on the status of their loved ones. It was people like Gaby who made it possible for the medical team to complete the contact tracing and alert those at highest risk of exposure.

Despite her own risks, Gaby never faltered. She — like thousands of Latinos who graduate from community colleges in California every year — is part of the heroic essential workforce that has kept our state on its feet and pressing forward.

Now it’s time for California to break down the barriers and give other community college students like Gaby the opportunity to fulfill their dreams — and in turn strengthen the social and economic fabric of our state.

We can take a step in the right direction by passing Proposition 15 this November. In a moment where our local cities and counties are starved for resources because of the economic fallout from this pandemic, now is the time to end decades of disinvestments in public schools, community colleges, and local communities.

Proposition 15 will close commercial and industrial property tax loopholes and ensure taxes are paid on market value versus their original purchase price. With this change, California will reclaim nearly $12 billion in revenue each year to improve not just our public schools and local governments, but also increase access to our community colleges. In fact, an estimated 92% of the revenue generated would come from 10% of commercial and industrial properties in the state.

Latino enrollment in the state’s community colleges has soared in the last 10 years, with nearly 1 million Latinos attending these institutions. The state’s rebound from this public health crisis and its economic fallout hinges on the success of these community colleges to graduate and provide robust employment for students. A sizable and sustained revenue source is essential to accomplish this goal.

Here are the facts. If Proposition 15 is passed in November, institutions like the State Center Community College District in Fresno County would gain $14 million in additional revenue and help maintain programs that jumpstart students’ careers in health care and cybersecurity.

If Proposition 15 passes, we all win in the end. Just consider that for every $1 invested in community college students, California taxpayers receive $4.50 in societal benefits. Just consider Gaby’s contribution to our society, our economy, and our livelihood.

More than 7 in 10 of our state’s nurses, firefighters and emergency medical technicians are trained at our community colleges. Proposition 15 will make it possible for new generation of heroes to accomplish their dreams — and keep the California Dream for All alive and well.

This story was originally published September 17, 2020 at 11:38 AM.