Computers For Graduates
The
37 Derow Court,
(916) 923-2215 fax (916) 923-2216
www.consumeradvocacy.com * ssorleahcim@comcast.net
COMPUTERS FOR GRADUATES
Problem(s):
Depending on the statistics used, California’s high school dropout rate is holding steady or worse, growing. Either way, the rate is way too high and its causing problems today, and surely is expected to compound problems in the future.
EXAMPLE:
In December 2009, Capital Radio reported that then Superintendent of Schools Jack O’Connell made the following statement: “the dropout rate increased almost 3% in the 2008 - 2009 school year. It's up to almost 22%, and O'Connell blames reduced state funding. O’Connell added the following: “The good news is that the graduation rate increased slightly from the previous year, up to just over 70%.”
That means that almost 30% of High school seniors didn’t graduate in 2009.
Proposed Solution:
In an effort to add yet another show of how important a high school diploma is, California should add incentives to graduate – for example, we should create a reward those who graduate from school, starting with high school. Specifically, California should create a graduation rewards program that funnels a specifically designed, one time "tax break on electronic equipment” to those who graduate (computers, software & on-line services).
SPECIFIC(S):
To accomplish this, California’s legislature should reward those who graduate from high school with a one time $1,000 tax credit towards the purchase of a computer, software or use of on-line computer services. To make this program universal and more effective, we could expand the program to include those with 2 year college degrees and 4 year college degrees. Those who graduate with a 2 year degree would be eligible for a one-time $2,000 credit. When college graduation from a 4 year institution is attained, the graduate would receive a one time $4,000 credit.
Possible Support:
Colleges and Schools
Economists
Computer and Software Companies
Students and Voters
On-line Providers
Possible Opposition:
Franchise Tax Board
Arguments In Support:
1 Good incentive and reward for California’s entire student population;
2) Good way to positively stimulate jobs and the economy;
3) Only available to those who are minimally employed, have a social security number, file their taxes and purchase the equipment;
4) Will help teach the principles of taxation and credits to those who normally won’t pay taxes or don’t understand what it means to pay taxes.
5) Short term costs outweigh long term expenses students without high school diplomas pose to our society.
Arguments In Opposition:
1) Too expensive of a program for the government to operate – There is not enough money to run this program.
2) This will become a paperwork nightmare
Section Affected: As Per Legislative Council
Language Attached: Specific Language: No. Structural Language: Yes. This act should be designed using the following concepts:
1) If you graduate from high school and file/pay taxes in that calendar year, you may purchase $1,000 (in any combination) worth of computer equipment, software or on-line services, and write it off as a tax deduction;
2) If you graduate from college with an Associates of Arts Degree or some other 2 year degree, you are eligible for a $2,000 tax credit to be used to purchase computer equipment, software or the use of an on-line service and write it off as a tax deduction;
3) If you graduate from an accredited 4 year college, you will receive a $4,000 tax credit, to be used to purchase computer equipment, software or the use of an on-line service and write it off as a tax deduction;
4) To be eligible for the deduction, you must be a Californian, have graduated from a recognized institution, have a Social Security Number and have a taxable income;
5) Earned credits are not transferable to another individual, although they may be used by the head of the household if the student is claimed by said head of house in/on their tax documents;
