We Need FAIR Corporate Taxing, Not Charity Donations

By: Tania Norzagaray

Coming from Richmond, CA—whose public schools are underfunded and dependent upon charity donations from Chevron and the police—I know all too well about corporate scheming to clean their public image and get a tax write off. I remember from a young age going to RPAL (Richmond Police Activities League) backpack drive events to get my free backpack and school supplies, all provided by the Richmond Police. Chevron has been known to donate technology to elementary schools including my old elementary school, Coronado, who received robotics lessons that were sponsored by Chevron. Additionally, I, among many other Richmond students who attend post secondary education, all receive the Richmond Promise scholarship funded by Chevron. Bay Area public schools have been forced with the difficult decision to make budget cuts and become dependent on private charitable donations. Low income BIPOC students should not be treated like a charity case! 

This is why we need to reform Prop 13 in order to make large corporations pay their fair share in taxes. This extra surplus can be used in sustainable year-round funding from the government and will shift the burden off of families, students, and educators to source funding. We must also divest funds away from the police and funnel it towards education. In due time, we will get adequate funding so that all students can receive an equitable education.