Prop. 13’s legacy still hurts our schools

By Jules Pizano

Re: “Teachers union hints at possible strike” (Page B1, April 10).

The looming teacher strike in Fremont isn’t just about salaries but a symptom of decades-long failures to prioritize public education. We wouldn’t be in this position if Proposition 13 hadn’t gutted school funding overnight back in 1978.

Teachers are now forced to fight for basics: competitive wages, affordable health care and smaller classes, which should already be the bare minimum. How is it acceptable that in one of the wealthiest states in the nation, educators have to pay for medical and dental expenses out of pocket?

District leaders are claiming financial limitations, which are the direct legacy of Proposition 13’s corporate tax loopholes that cost California between $8 billion and $12 billion per year in lost revenue. Until we reform Proposition 13, our students and teachers will keep paying the price.