Prop CC would help state’s schools and teachers

Many people are surprised to learn that Colorado is one of the states that invests the fewest dollars in public education.

In fact, when it comes to teacher salaries, Colorado is dead last; the average teacher in Colorado makes only 69% of a comparable professional’s salary. Districts all over our state such as Brighton 27J and Pueblo City 60 have had to adopt four-day school weeks to cut costs.

Wealthier school districts like Boulder Valley and Cherry Creek make up for this lack of state funding through local taxation, but this only perpetuates inequalities in the state. As students at Fairview High School in Boulder, we have never gone without necessary supplies or facilities. But this is not the case for many students across Colorado.

As students who deeply value our educations and the work that our teachers do, we urge you to vote for Proposition CC in November.

Prop CC, if passed, would allow the state to retain revenue above the state spending cap to provide funding for transportation and education. It is the first step to overturning the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, a very restrictive tax code, unique to Colorado, that is largely to blame for the lack of state funding for education.

Proposition CC is critical to addressing the enormous funding inequalities that impact students throughout the state every day. Showing up on election day and voting is a minor action with a massive impact. Whitney Toutenhoofd, Boulder Editor’s note: Toutenhoofd is president of The Students of Funding our Future.