California cannot afford to wait to pass Proposition 55. Our schools need to be fixed now. As a school board member viewing firsthand the progress of the construction in our local schools, I see the need for additional construction and repairs beyond our current bond funds. The needs in our district currently outweigh the money available.

Proposition 55 is on the March 2 ballot because of the immediate need to fix our overburdened schools. The sooner it is passed, the sooner we can start building critically needed schools and making necessary renovations.

Why should our children have to wait any longer for learning conditions to improve? The California Taxpayers' Association says, "Proposition 55 is a fiscally responsible way to finance school repair and construction." The state treasurer and watchdog groups say California and its economy can support Proposition 55, which is a sound, prudent investment in our kids' future.

Fixing and building schools and classrooms provides direct economic benefits and jobs to our community and is an investment in the future of Santa Paula and its work force.

Proposition 55 is a long-term solution to a long-term problem. As a member of the Santa Paula Elementary School District board, I urge you to vote yes on 55.

-- Daniel Robles, Santa Paula