frobie

With the Democratic nomination drawing to a close, this becomes a perfect time to focus on local politics.

In San Francisco, public school teachers are getting paid at a piss-poor salary rate. Starting salary for teachers in the City begin at $45k which makes living in the Bay Area difficult for them.

On the June 3, 2008 ballots, Proposition A calls for a $198 School Parcel Tax to generate funds to increase the pay of teachers and improve the schools. The proposal estimates $28 million will be generated annually which would increase starting teachers salary from $45k to $50k.

The tax requires only those who own property in San Francisco to pay which unduly puts the burden on home owners and businesses. Renters and businesses that lease space do not have to contribute.

If the estimate is $28 million at $198 per, there would be 141,000 household/businesses which fall somewhat in line with the number of owner-occupied housing units of 115,391 as seen in the 2000 census. The census also lists a total of 214,309 renter-occupied housing units in the city. which amounts to approximately $42 million left on the table.

The ratio of renters to homeowners/businesses is 2:1 which happens to be the required amount of votes needed for the proposition to pass.

While I am opposed to this proposition on a technical basis, I won't complain if it does pass since teachers are really getting the raw end of the deal right now.