Every few years voters are presented with candidates touting that this is ‘the most important’ election of this generation’. However, as students, for Proposition 30 this claim may actually ring true. Proposition 30 is an unprecedented $12 billion swing for California public schools.

If the proposition passes it means a $6 billion investment in the students and future leaders of tomorrow; if it does not pass it means an additional $6 billion in drastic cuts to our students meaning higher tuition for college students, and class sizes of 40 and 60 students per class for our K-12 classes.

The choice should be simple because an investment in our youngest and brightest is an investment toward a better California, and better lives for the most vulnerable in our society.

We cannot continue to cut funds from our schools and hope for a brighter future.

The choice should be simple because if Proposition 30 does not pass then nearly 2,000 students in the State Center Community College District alone would be at risk of not having a place to go to school. Even those who were still able to attend would have less class opportunities, as 50 to 60 classes might be cut.

Fresno City College students all come to school with a simple goal, to get their degrees and work toward their own American Dreams. But over the past few years of budget cuts we’ve seen a two year degree take three years to complete, and if Proposition 30 fails, we’ll see that time table increase farther.

We, students, aren’t asking for handouts, we’re asking for the opportunity to prove ourselves and have a fair fight for our places in the world. A .25 percent sales tax increase for four years, and minimal tax increases for the wealthiest Californians is all we need to invest in the hope of the next generation. So, if for the next four years you’re willing to pay $4.01 instead of $4 for a burger, let’s get education going again.