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I do my best to make each of my columns as funny as possible. But the fiscal crisis of California is no laughing matter.

This Tuesday, Californians will vote on issues that directly impact the state’s economic present and future. Among the items on the ballot are two propositions that make up the California Balanced Budget Package. Proposition 57 allows for a $15 billion Economic Recovery Bond to immediately help right our fiscal situation. Proposition 58 calls for a balanced budget amendment to the California Constitution. Together, these two provisions are essential for the renewed prosperity of the Golden State.

The students of UCLA are a reminder as to how bright the future of California can be (well, at least the North Campus students). The next generation of Californian leaders are here, toiling for the chance to someday achieve greatness in America’s greatest state. As students in a state-run university system, our continued educational success goes hand in hand with the state’s ability to properly function. We must give California every chance to flourish – for only in this way will our education do the same.

Propositions 57 and 58 are fundamental issues for our generation. The bond measure will be paid off over the next nine to 14 years, essentially meaning we will be footing most of the bill. But in this case, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Aside from the measure’s immediate impact, the bond would be issued while interest rates are still at historic lows.

It is time to take a stand and proclaim that we, in this new chapter of California history, will accept the necessary responsibility and bring about a bold new era of economic prosperity in this state we so deeply love.

Once a land of dreams, California has seen its stature plummet as it faces financial ruin. California currently has the lowest credit rating of any state in the union. Jobs are fleeing, tuition at the state-run schools is rising and time is running out. This June, $14 billion in debt the state has accrued will be due. A course of action must be decided by the people as to how we can repay our borrowings and prevent future economic chaos. This crisis is not a by-product of Californians being undertaxed, but rather it results from a history of reckless spending and poor money management by the Sacramento Legislature. Over the last few years, the Democrats in the capital have spent more readily than Michael Jackson at Toys “R” Us.

Ideally, our monetary woes would not be entirely solved by more borrowing. Management of capital, streamlining of costs and limited government spending would take immediate precedence over any other options. But these are not ideal times.

More than anything, California needs to jump-start its flatlining finances. The Balanced Budget Package remains the best of the current options to provide a necessary jolt – while also providing the guidelines to hopefully prevent future outbreaks of economic entropy.

Propositions 57 and 58 are definitely not about partisan politics. Republican Gov. Schwarzenegger, and Democratic state controller, Steve Wesley, co-chair the campaign of Californians for a Balanced Budget. Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein has given her endorsement to the movement, and so has a long list of other prominent Californian politicians – both Republican and Democrat. The California Balanced Budget Package is supported by organizations ranging from the California Teachers Association to the California Taxpayers Association.

Should either Proposition 57 or 58 be defeated, the results will be disastrous. The state government will seek to recoup the necessary funds through dramatic and deep budget cuts into the state’s core programs.

State-provided goods and services that we currently take for granted would no longer be feasible. Every level of the state, from local townships up through the capital, would face crippling crunches that may devastate the California people. The voters have been given a chance to avoid this insanity. We must utilize this opportunity.

I believe in California. It has been my home my entire life and I, for one, do not plan on leaving anytime soon. The matter of stabilizing the California economy is not about political ideology – it is about doing what is right. For the sake of your education, for the sake of your prosperity and for the sake of California, I implore you to vote yes on 57 and 58.

Pfohl is a fourth-year history and political science student. E-mail him at jpfohl@media.ucla.edu. Send general comments to viewpoint@media.ucla.edu.