CSBA adopts support positions on four statewide ballot measures
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 17, 2016) – The California School Boards Association today announced its official support of four initiatives which are eligible or are in the process of qualifying for the November 2016 statewide ballot, including the “The California Children’s Education and Health Care Protection Act of 2016” and the “Kindergarten Through Community College Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2016.”
“The California Children’s Education and Health Care Protection Act of 2016”
CSBA Position: Support
Submitted to the Secretary of State for verification of signatures, this measure would temporarily extend the income tax provisions of Proposition 30 for 12 years. Extending these income tax provisions, which will otherwise sunset in 2018, could generate as much as $4 billion annually for K-12 education.
“This measure is critical as we continue to discuss funding levels that public schools need to close achievement gaps and prepare all of our students for college and career,” said Chris Ungar, CSBA President. “This will help ensure that we retain billions of dollars in necessary funding as we continue to pursue the total resources needed to ensure all students have access to programs and services that prepare them for future success.”
“The Kindergarten Through Community College Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2016.”
CSBA Position: Support
Of the $9 billion in state general obligation bonds proposed by this measure, $7 billion would be devoted to K-12 education: $3 billion for new facilities construction, $3 billion for modernization needs and $500 million each for charter schools and Career Technical Education.
“CSBA supports a strong, ongoing partnership between the state and local education agencies for the construction and modernization of school facilities,” said Chris Ungar, President of CSBA. “This bond measure helps continue the state and local partnership and provides the state’s share to be matched with local funds. It represents an important step in California’s efforts to prepare the next generation of our nation’s workforce.”
“The California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016”
CSBA Position: Support
This increase in taxes on tobacco products (including electronic cigarettes) could generate as much as $1.5 billion (with $1 billion in matching federal funds), of which as much as $45 million would be allocated to the Department of Education for Tobacco education and prevention programs.
“CSBA supports the tobacco tax – the bottom line is that the programs created from these funds will lead to fewer young people becoming addicted to tobacco products and electronic cigarettes,” said Chris Ungar, CSBA President.
“The California Education for a Global Economy Initiative (California EdGE)”
CSBA Position: Support
In 1998, voters approved Proposition 227 requiring that all students be taught in English, and that English Learners be taught in sheltered English immersion courses. This measure repeals those provisions.
“The California EdGE measure will ensure that learning English and other languages in public schools remains an integral part of student success, especially considering the diverse landscape of the modern global economy,” said Chris Ungar, CSBA President.
CSBA is a nonprofit association representing nearly 1,000 PreK-12 school districts and county offices of education throughout California.