Yes on 30: Support for our schools

I support Proposition 30. The benefits to our local schools and the junior college would be immediate and reverse the decline in aid to our schools.

Local dollars spent by the local school districts would be spent here and have a major strong economic multiplier effect on the area's economy. Improved funding with Proposition 30 can help local education and in a direct way get us out of our local recession and very high poverty rate. One of the main tools for economic growth is to have a better educated work force.

Our unemployment rate is one of the highest in the state at 15 percent, and we have the fifth highest poverty rate in the nation.

The one-quarter of a penny sales tax would only exist for four years and then stop. Even with its income tax increase, which would end in seven years, Proposition 30 would have much more of an impact locally than in other parts of the state.

Gov. Jerry Brown did the right thing to put this ballot measure forward to let the voters be heard on the tax increases. Please vote "yes" on Proposition 30.

DANIEL MARSH

Modesto