Gov. Jerry Brown visited Fresno to give a press conference regarding Proposition 30 today. Joining Brown were Fresno City College President, Tony Cantu, Thomas Richards, CEO of The Penstar Group, Larry Powell, Superintendent of Schools for Fresno County and Congressman Jim Costa.

During the press conference, Brown discussed the importance that Proposition 30 has for the future generations of California. He emphasized the role of the voters and what they are voting for.

This is a stark choice for the people of California. It is not about politicians,” said Brown.  “It’s not about me. It’s not about the legislature. It’s about the kids, students and the future of our state. And it’s in your hands. The people make a choice.”

Brown even went as far as saying that this “profoundly important” proposition was the reason for his travelling of California.

Richards echoed Brown’s statement and gave the support of the business community. He discussed the importance of seeing education as an investment into the economy.

“We understand the future of California and in fact the future of this economy relies upon a strong educational system,” said Richards.  “There is no better way to invest in the economy than to invest in education.”

The economy is a deep focus for this proposition and Costa said that passing this proposition is not only a benefit for the future but an asset to the challenges of today. He praises Brown’s leadership and work in resolving California’s fiscal difficulties.

“Governor Jerry Brown has provided remarkable leadership in trying to get our state’s financial house in order,” Costa said.  “Passing Proposition 30 for our children and future generations to come is a key part of resolving the financial challenges that we face today.”

And today the voters are faced with that choice, a choice that, according to Powell, is easy. There is no grey area of confusion.  Powell’s message was an either or situation and outlined the possibilities clearly in black and white.

“This election is very easy. A vote yes is a vote for hope and support for our schools and a vote no is for the past and for despair,” said Powell.

Cantu echoed this statement with his assessment of FCC and its loss of 4,000 students within the last three years. According to Cantu, this translates to a loss of 6,000 seats. His message to the media was clear. The economy is related to education and students are preparing themselves for much more than their transfer prospects.

“If we are going to continue to have an impact on the economy and the region, we need to continue to offer students those options that they so desperately need, not only to prepare themselves to transfer but also to prepare themselves for the workforce,” said Cantu.

These words reflected Brown’s full message. In order to have a successful economy there needs to be an educated and prepared population. He placed a heavy emphasis on the importance of the future generations being well prepared for future jobs through education. There are currently 500,000 jobs available in California but skills are needed to obtain those jobs.

The college system whether looking UC, CSU or community college, has a role in educating and preparing today’s workforce. Schools have a role in re-training workers and providing them with those skills necessary to go back out into the workforce and help boost the economy.

“We can’t keep cutting our schools and colleges and expect to have a strong economy,” said Brown. “Prop 30 will inject billions of dollars into our schools and colleges so we can prepare the next generation of Californians for the jobs of the future.”