Rally in Burbank for Prop. 38, which would raise taxes for schools

A modest but enthusiastic crowd gathered in Burbank late Tuesday afternoon for the first official rally by the PTA in favor of Proposition 38, which would raise taxes to support public education in California.

The initiative is competing with Proposition 30, which is backed by Gov. Jerry Brown and also would increase state revenues.

The Proposition 38 rally took place in a park across from Disney Elementary and was attended by about 60 students, parents, local officials and leaders of the PTA. The PTA is planning a series of rallies across the state in support of the measure, which was put on the ballot with backing from wealthy civil rights attorney Molly Munger.

Proposition 38 would increase income taxes over 12 years, typically bringing in at least $10 billion annually, according to an analysis by the secretary of state's office.

The initiative "is the only one that focuses on education,” Barbara Miller, the Burbank PTA Council president, said in an interview. “It’s about making sure the children in Burbank and up and down California get the education they need.”

Speakers at the rally talked of the effect budget cuts have already had on education: teacher layoffs, larger classes, fewer nurses, unstaffed libraries, and diminished arts and sports programs.

“We want the community to know how important it is for children to have more funds available for schools and, hopefully, the word will spread,” said parent Stephanie McCorkle. “I’m very optimistic because I know how important this is.”

Critics of the tax measures have argued that state residents can’t afford to pay more taxes and that government agencies should spend money more effectively.

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-- Howard Blume in Burbank

Photo: Barbara Miller, left, Burbank PTA Council president, speaks at a rally Tuesday for Proposition 38 before parents, PTA members and neighborhood residents at Olive park in Burbank. Credit: Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times