Prop. 82, Guide to 2006 California Election

PROPOSITION 82 IN PLAIN ENGLISH

Under the “Pre-School for All” initiative, a full year of preschool would be offered to all California’s 4-year-olds. This would mostly be provided by the local school districts. The teachers would be required to have credentials and a four-year degree. Funding would be provided by a 1.7% tax on individual incomes above $400,000, and $800,000 for couples. The funded classes would begin in the fall of 2010.

OFFICIAL TITLE AND SUMMARY

Preschool Education. Tax on Incomes Over $400,000 for Individuals; $800,000 for Couples. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.

• Establishes a right to voluntary preschool for all four-year old children.
• Funded by a 1.7% tax on individual incomes above $400,000; $800,000 for couples.
• Administered by the state Superintendent of Public Instruction and county school superintendents.
• Directs counties to prepare reports on curricula, outreach, facilities, childcare coordination, budgeting, teacher recruitment and pay.
• Limits administrative expenses; requires program audits.
• Requires state Superintendent to develop a preschool teaching credential with financial aid for credential students.
• Excludes revenue from appropriation limits, Proposition 98 calculations.

Summary of Legislative Analyst’s Estimate of Net State and Local Government Fiscal Impact:

• Increased state revenues of about $2.1 billion in 2007–08, growing annually with the economy to around $2.6 billion in 2010–11, when the preschool program would be open to all 4-year olds in the state.
• Revenues would be used solely for new state preschool program and would be spent to run the program, pay for facilities, train teachers, and provide an operating reserve.

ANALYSIS

• California League of Women Voters – In Depth on Prop. 82
• Institute for Governmental Studies – UC Berkeley
• Official Voter Guide from California Secretary of State

• Proposition 82, Voters split on pioneering preschool plan, Ballot measure would expand programs by taxing richest , San Francisco Chronicle
• An investment or a bureaucracy? Prop. 82 supporters call it good for kids, but foes label it ballot-box budgeting. Sacramento Bee

PROS & CONS

• yeson82.com
• noprop82.org