Most people are aware of the fact that Sacramento has been repeatedly slashing at our schools budgets with increasing severity over the years. But are you aware of how much is really being cut? Let’s have it laid out plainly: with the current education cuts, San Bruno children— and our city and community’s future— could be facing multiple school closures and four to six weeks cut from their school year. Even more, teachers and staff would be lost, there would be no funds for badly-needed updates for basic books and programs, and property value, which is closely tied to quality schools, will get hit hard.

So what is Measure G going to do about this? Basically, all Measure G is asking is for everyone to chip in a little, but as an education parcel tax—those who don’t own a “parcel” (i.e. property), such as young voters and those who live in apartments, would not have to pay. Seniors over 65 and low-income residents (with an income below $55,500 a year for a family of four) also do not have to pay. Most California school districts have had to raise similar taxes, sometimes repeatedly, to keep schools open. This is the first time in San Bruno’s entire 105-year history that the community is being asked to support their local schools this way. With about $58 annually for only five years, it’s quite a small price to ask for our children, their education, and our community. Every dollar raised will — by law— stay in San Bruno with citizens’ oversight, strict annual independent audits, and no money for administrative salaries.

It is easy to see why the expansive (and growing) list of groups and individuals who support Measure G includes the San Mateo County Democratic Party; the San Mateo Country Central Labor Council; California Senator Leland Yee, Assembly Member Jerry Hill; Dave Pine from the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors; Ken Ibarra, Vice Mayor of San Bruno; San Bruno teachers; and too many prominent and dedicated community members to name.

And if you don’t own a parcel, earn a low income, or are over 65, you can vote YES on Measure G (for Great Schools and a Great Community) and support education without having to pay a dime. Please tell everyone you know about Measure G, raise awareness, and get every YES vote you can to save our schools. When Measure G wins, schools win, our kids win, and the community wins. Today’s students are tomorrow’s workers who will support the community. In the global economy, everyone should want our students to get at least a decent education to compete for jobs.

Everyone wins.