GET THE FACTS
YES on the Protect Schools & Taxpayers Act
What the measure does:
CLOSES LEGAL LOOPHOLES THAT DENY SCHOOL FUNDING
- Upholds the voter-approved guarantee for schools
- Prevents budget maneuvers that weaken classroom funding
- Ensures education funding cannot be diverted or shortchanged
PROTECTS TAXPAYERS
- Maintains taxpayer right to refunds
- Reinforces the state spending limit
- Protects against higher taxes and wasteful government spending
STOPS SPECIAL INTEREST SCHEMES
- Blocks special-interest carve-outs
- Protects taxpayer refunds from special-interest raids
- Prohibits special interest from going around spending limits
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is this measure needed?
Decades ago, California voters passed ballot measures to guarantee full funding for our ,schools and rebates to taxpayers when the state exceeds its spending cap. However, over time, special interests and politicians have used legal loopholes to get around these rules. This measure restores them and prevents future special interest end-runs.
Does this measure raise taxes?
No. This measure does not raise taxes and does not create any new taxes. It simply requires any new tax to comply with longstanding, voter-approved constitutional protections for schools and taxpayers.
How does this measure protect schools?
In 1988, California voters approved Prop 98, a constitutional guarantee that ensures a significant portion of the state budget goes to K–12 schools and community colleges.
This measure requires any new tax to comply with this funding guarantee. It protects classroom funding from being squeezed during budget battles or economic downturns and stops deceptive ballot measures from continuing to divert education dollars.
How does this measure protect taxpayers?
In 1979, California voters approved Prop. 4, which established a state spending limit that requires excess revenue to be returned to taxpayers.
This measure protects the state spending cap and prevents special interests from denying taxpayers what they are owed. It also reinforces safeguards against wasteful government spending.