Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/50712
continued from page 31 was finally forced to relent when he and the Legislature faced fiscal reality and partially restored the fee in 2009. Unfortunately, at the same time, Schwarzenegger and leaders on both sides of the aisle cut state revenues even more through a last-minute budget deal that gave away $2 billion in new tax breaks to large corporations. (Proposition 24, a 2010 CTA-supported ballot measure to take away those breaks, was defeated after massive spending and deceptive advertising by its big-business opposition.) SO WHAT'S THE SOLUTION? How can the state get the revenue it needs to operate and to fund its schools at an ade- quate level? CTA believes in bringing back tax fairness through a progressive tax sys- tem that taxes the wealthy at a higher rate than the poor. The rich have done extremely well even in the current economy, and they have done it by using a system that everyone contributes to in some way. A more equi- table tax system will add billions of dol- lars in new revenue to a state that has been forced to slash public education and other vital services. CTA continues its efforts to bring California back to the top education funding quartile of the 50 states, but that won't happen without fundamental change to the state's revenue stream. All California students deserve the resources they need for a quality education. A more fair tax system can help make that happen. By Frank Wells ! Enjoy the rewards. Get something back for your everyday purchases. Use your California Teachers Association Visa® Card with WorldPoints® rewards from Bank of America, and you'll earn points you can redeem for cash, travel, merchandise, even unique adventures. Rewards for the things you buy anyway. Ongoing support for California Teachers Association. 1-877-518-9005 Use Priority Code VABBHYwhen calling. For information about the rates, fees, and other costs and benefits associated with the use of this Rewards card, or to apply, call the toll free number above, or write to P.O. Box 15020, Wilmington, DE 19850. Terms apply to program features and Credit Card account benefits. For more information about the program, visit bankofamerica.com/worldpoints. Details accompany new account materials. This credit card program is issued and administered by FIA Card Services, N.A. The WorldPoints program is managed in part by independent third parties, including a travel agency registered to do business in California (Reg. No. 2036509-50); Ohio (Reg. No. 87890286); Washington (6011237430) and other states, as required. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association, and is used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. FIA Card Services, WorldPoints, the WorldPoints design and Platinum Plus are registered trademarks of FIA Card Services, N.A. Bank of America and the Bank of America logo are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. All other company and product names and logos are the property of others and their use does not imply endorsement of, or an association with, the WorldPoints program. ©2007 Bank of America Corporation T-709149-092107 BAD-11-07-10594 34 California Educator / December 2011 • January 2012