On Tuesday, California voters will decide whether to invest in the future of their children and the state.

At issue is Proposition 55, a $12.3 billion bond to build new schools and to renovate and modernize others for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as to build new schools for those in colleges and universities.

Locally, voters also will be asked to support Measure R, a bond that raises $3.87 billion for new and modernized schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Some have argued that this is the wrong time to incur more indebtedness. The state is struggling with the hangover of so many years of frivolous spending that the governor is asking voters to approve his fiscal recovery plan. With state funding down, the LAUSD and other school districts are facing a budget shortfall.

But California is way behind in making a serious investment in modernizing, renovating and building new classrooms, and there may never be the perfect time to catch up.

Classrooms are crowded because there aren't enough schools, forcing kids in Los Angeles into year-round school schedules that shorten the school year. School maintenance has been repeatedly deferred over the years to save money, resulting in facilities that are falling apart and are, in some cases, actually hazardous to children and teachers.

While dodging falling ceiling tiles, teachers are trying to prepare students for the high-tech world in classrooms that were built before the Internet was a glint on the horizon.

How can we expect a strong California economy in five, 10 or more years when our children lack the skills to compete?

Proposition 55 does not raise taxes. The $800 million a year in repayment will come out of the state's general fund, which means by voting for it, Californians would be directing state lawmakers to dedicate a certain amount of money to improving schools statewide, rather than line the pockets of pet projects.

And because of the severely crowded conditions in Los Angeles, the LAUSD would see a substantial portion of Proposition 55 funds return locally. This will only boost the LAUSD's ongoing construction program and the additional revenue the district hopes to get from Measure R.

Yes, Measure R is an additional burden on homeowners -- about $60 per $100,000 assessed property valuation of per year. But the cost is negligible compared with the return we get by improving education.

It's true that in the past some bond money has been squandered by inept bureaucrats. But it must be acknowledged that the LAUSD has made major strides under the leadership of Superintendent Roy Romer. The facilities team is a professional group that is getting schools built -- finally. And student test scores are rising. In other words, Romer is making good on his promises.

By voting for the two school bond issues, you're not squandering money; you're putting it to its best and highest use.

Or, to put it more simply:

Proposition 55: $12.3 billion.

Measure R: $3.87 billion.

Quality education: priceless.