Teacher's Union Rallies for Prop. 30

The United Teachers Los Angeles, a union representing over 34,000 public service professionals in L.A., will hold several events Thursday in support of Proposition 30 and in opposition to Proposition 32. 

These rallies will emphasize the importance of passing Prop. 30, which can receive crucial funding for eduction and call attention to what they claim is Prop. 32's deceptive nature. Prop. 32 aims to stop unions from having any political voice, UTLA representatives said.

According to UTLA, Prop. 32 would create a provision banning the way state unions have traditionally raised money to fund and support political candidates. It prohibits unions and corporations from donating to state candidates and preventing them from collecting money for state political activities from either employees or members through paycheck deductions. 

UTLA has been working on a major member-driven campaign, alongside Yes on Prop 30's "Protect our Schools and Public Safety" initiative since August 2012, according to their website. UTLA's campaign aims to stop educational budget cuts, offering support for Prop. 30. It proposes collecting an estimated $6 billion annually by increasing the sales tax a quarter cent for four years, while also boosting income taxes for seven years on people making over $250,000 annually.

Governor Jerry Brown made an appearance in Los Angeles Wednesday, pleading with voters to support his proposition. "It's either money into the schools, or money out," Brown said. 

While much of the money raised would go toward education if the proposition passes, it would also free up billions of dollars for the state's general fund, allowing the Democratic-controlled legislature to spend more money on health care, pensions and other state programs. 

According to UTLA's website, more than $20 billion have been cut from public education in California within the past 4 years, with an additional $8 billion in new cuts being proposed for this year. 

UTLA's rallies will be hitting the streets to fight against Prop 32 and urge support for Prop. 30, offering participants a chance to represent their schools, according to UTLA fliers. 

In the West area, a rally will be held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Federal Building on the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Veteran Avenue. Rally participants will hand out information. The event will move to the Sepulveda Boulevard corner of the building at 6 p.m. for performances and speakers.

In the Harbor Aarea, a 3 p.m. event will be held at Gaffey and First streets in San Pedro where a "human billboard" will form. Rally participants will then march from Cimarron Elementary to the intersection of West Imperial Highway and South Western Avenue in Hawthorne at 4:30 p.m.

A Dia de los Muertos themed rally will be held at Mariachi Plaza on the corner of First Street and Boyle Avenue in Boyle Heights. The event will feature speakers, music and dance performances.