Prop 100

May 18th is just around the corner, and regardless of how you feel about it, the important part is that you get out and vote in this special election. So whats up on the ballot? A $.01 sales tax that would help "bail out" education (2/3 of the money goes here) and public services (1/3 goes to first responders and senior health care). It's a temporary tax, 3 years, that's set to add in excess of $1.7 billion dollars to the books.

While there are many different theories behind those who oppose and support Prop 100- the main supporters are the usual suspects: education, the universities, local municipalities. Those in proposition are those against additional taxes, and the most vocal proponent would probably be the Goldwater Institute, who believes education needs reform, and bailing them out only enables their poor behaviors.

While I agree that our education system needs a major overall (so does our entire state budget and tax flow- for those who are unfamiliar, Arizona has a "designated" tax fund, meaning that even if an entity has a surplus, it can't "lend" cash to another entity because our Constitution is set up as so money that portioned for one department, stays with that department). Additional School Districts need to get a major handle on their expenses, primarily their administrative expenses. Unfortunately, if we allow Prop 100 to fail, in order for the message to be heard and acted on, years and possibly generations of Arizona children will be effected by our educational short falling. It's a lose/lose situation.

As stated earlier- regardless of how you'll vote for Prop 100- the most important thing you can do is get out and vote for this special election May 18th.