Proposition 61: Salary Limits

The League of Women Voters of Los Angeles agrees with your editorial that Proposition 61 is “Bad Medicine.”

The supporters of Proposition 61 tell us that the measure will save taxpayers money by cutting the salaries of public officials, employees and contractors. The true consequences of the measure are more complicated, and will cost more money in the long run while at the same time seriously impair the ability of state and local governments to provide essential public services.

Proposition 61, should it pass on Nov. 4, could have a devastating effect upon public education in Los Angeles. The measure could make excessive financial demands upon the Los Angeles Unified School District, as well as cause the loss of many top educators.

The Los Angeles Unified School District could find itself having to come up with an immediate $489 million to cover accumulated sick leave ($32 million) and vacation time ($457 million), that current employees have accrued.

Many of the 108 higher echelon employees currently earning more than $64,000 might choose to resign rather than take a salary cut. If fringe benefits are determined to be subject to the initiative’s limitations, then 1,362 employees could be affected. This could exacerbate an already critical teacher shortage.

ETTA-BELLE KITCHEN

President

SHIRLEY FRIEDMAN-CHASE

State Action Director

League of Woman Voters

Los Angeles