For all the excitement and controversy surrounding the presidential race, come November 4th, many voters will decide on more than just Obama versus McCain. In fact, 13 state ballots are set to include questions that directly impact college students. From Maine to Oregon, Americans are wrangling over topics like tax and lottery proceeds distribution, university renovation projects, and affirmative action on campus. Below are three examples of education-related measures to be decided next month. Whatever your politics, you'll want to be aware of the issues that affect you and your state.
State Lottery in Arkansas
Think college tuition is out of reach? Don't bet on it… (or do, actually). Arkansas may soon pass a referendum that would create a statewide lottery, and with it, a considerable scholarship fund for Arkansas students. At present, the Arkansas constitution bans lotteries and other state-sanctioned gambling. In two prior votes, Arkansas citizens rejected measures to lift the ban - partly because earlier proposals also included opportunities for casinos and other forms of gambling. As the vote on the current proposal nears, conservative groups are filing petitions to block the question, while proponents believe a continued ban will only drive more state money out to neighboring Missouri and Oklahoma, where lotteries are legal. Although pundits disagree about the lottery's profit potential, Proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 could yield between 60 and 100 million dollars, all of which would go towards the college scholarship fund for Arkansas residents attending Arkansas schools.
Sales Tax in Florida
During a tough economic slump like the one we're experiencing, most of us bristle at the idea of higher taxes. At the same time, many colleges are hurting alongside with the average American family – particularly the small, public institutions that rely on state budgets. In addressing proposed Amendment 8, Florida residents will soon have to choose between saving themselves some cash on sales tax, and saving their community colleges from further hardship. The proposal would authorize counties to levy local sales taxes. The individual taxes would require county voters' approval, and would "sunset" in 5 years, subject to re-approval. Some argue the taxes would further burden struggling families; others point out that community colleges in affluent areas would benefit disproportionately. Regardless, proponents believe that financial support of community colleges leads to increased employment opportunities for Florida citizens.
Equality in Nebraska
According to Nebraska's state Web site, Initiative Measure 424 aims to, "ban public agencies from considering race, ethnicity or gender when hiring, selecting contractors or enrolling students."
Those in favor of the measure's passage believe the government should not support quotas and scholarship allocations that factor race or gender. Citing the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the Nebraska state motto, "Equality Before the Law," they argue that preferential treatment is unconstitutional. Opponents, on the other hand, warn the proposed ban would threaten successful programs for certain disadvantaged groups. Besides also affecting the recruitment of college students and athletes, they predict that creating such a ban would clog the courts with frivolous lawsuits.
So what do you think? In addition to the states above, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico and Oregon are also facing higher education referendums. Now's a great time to be thinking and talking about your educational outlook.