REMARKS AT PRESS CONFERENCE FOR LOCAL PROP 55 KICKOFF

Good morning.

California voters have always supported public schools, and we are standing here today because it is our hope that this region's voters will recognize the urgent and immediate need for Prop 55 to improve our local schools.

You've now heard from a host of speakers on what projects are needed in the areas surrounding Monterey and San Benito Counties.

I would like to underscore just how critically important these projects are by reminding you that public schools rely on a state and local partnership. Prop 55 funds are desperately needed now to build, fix, and maintain our local children's schools.

The League of Women Voters has long supported standards and accountability in our public schools.

But to help our kids meet these higher standards, we have a responsibility to provide them with classrooms that aren't crowded, and schools that are in good condition.

The League of Women Voters and many other groups, including many in the business community, also support the strong accountability provisions in Prop 55 -- like independent audits, cost controls, and oversight of all projects -- that give voters confidence that their investment will go directly to building and repairing local schools. Prop 55 funds can only be used for local school repair and construction -- not bureaucracy or overhead.

Prop 55 is a responsible investment in our future. It must be passed on March 2. We can't afford to put off this critical investment in our schoolchildren and in the future of our state.

Beverly G. Bean, President, the League of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula