| PTAs and Ballot Measure Positions
California State PTA takes positions on statewide ballot measures that have the potential to significantly impact the lives of California’s children, youth, and families. |
For the November 3, 2026, Statewide General Election
OPPOSE POSITION: Proposed Initiative #1983 (25-0006A1) – a.k.a “Local Taxpayer Protection Act To Save Proposition 13 (Version 3)”
On February 14, 2026, the California State PTA Board of Managers voted to approve an OPPOSE position for the measure currently in circulation. Signatures of 874,641 Californians registered to vote must be collected no later than February 25, 2026, for this initiative to continue to move towards placement on the November 3, 2026, statewide general election ballot. A study was undertaken to research the content, background, impact, and PTA authorities associated with each ballot measure; links to these study reports are shown below, along with links to the ballot measures as posted by California’s Attorney General’s Office.
The proposed Initiative #1983 (25-0006A1) will limit voters’ ability to raise revenues for local government services by requiring a two-thirds majority vote for local special taxes instead of a simple majority, prohibiting charter cities from approving real estate transfer taxes beyond the existing 0.11% rate, and overturning existing voter-approved property-related taxes that don’t comply with these requirements within two years of enactment. This 2025 initiative is a rerun of portions of a 2024 initiative (#1935) that was removed from the ballot by court order. The PTA opposed the 2024 version—fiscal impact: Reduced local government revenue capacity and potential elimination of existing local taxes as well as the 2026 version Initiative #1981. Initiative #1983 would make it significantly harder for communities to fund local services through voter-approved taxation.
Link to the text of the proposed initiative posted by California’s Attorney General’s Office
Link to CA PTA Study Report
last updated: March, 2026
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OPPOSE POSITION: Proposed Initiative 1991 (25-0014) – a.k.a. “Establish Education Savings Account and Repeal Blaine Amendment”
On February 14, 2026, the California State PTA Board of Managers voted to approve an OPPOSE position for the measure currently in circulation. Signatures of 874,641 Californians registered to vote must be collected no later than June 25, 2026, for this initiative to continue to move towards placement on the November 3, 2026, statewide general election ballot. A study was undertaken to research the content, background, impact, and PTA authorities associated with each ballot measure; links to these study reports are shown below, along with links to the ballot measures as posted by California’s Attorney General’s Office.
The proposed Initiative #1991 (25-0014) represents not only a major shift in how California funds education, but also a significant change in the long established relationship between government and religion. Since the adoption of the Bill of Rights, the United States has upheld the principle of a “wall of separation between church and state,” a concept articulated by Thomas Jefferson. Allowing public education dollars to flow to religious schools would mark a substantial departure from this foundational principle. The California State PTA has consistently opposed efforts to use public money to support private schools. This is based on the long history of PTA supporting public education. This initiative will severely reduce the state’s ability to provide students with a quality public education, will not allow for accountability for public funds, and will create equity concerns, as there are no provisions for extra support for high-needs students.
Link to the text of the proposed initiative posted by California’s Attorney General’s Office
Link to CA PTA Study Report
last updated: March, 2026
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SUPPORT POSITION: Proposed Initiative 1993 (25-0016) -) a.k.a. “The California Children’s Education and Health Care Protection Act of 2026” / (Extend prop 55)
On February 14, 2026, the California State PTA Board of Managers voted to approve a SUPPORT position for the measure currently in circulation. Signatures of 874,641 Californians registered to vote must be collected no later than May 4, 2026, for this initiative to continue to move towards placement on the November 3, 2026, statewide general election ballot. A study was undertaken to research the content, background, impact, and PTA authorities associated with each ballot measure; links to these study reports are shown below, along with links to the ballot measures as posted by California’s Attorney General’s Office.
The proposed Initiative #1993 (25-0016) will provide permanent funding for schools and healthcare by extending existing 2012 voter-approved tax rates for high-income Californians, currently set to expire in 2031. Since the first enactment of this tax, California has increased funding for education, moving from near the bottom in state funding in the nation to just about average. Even with average funding, school districts throughout the state are struggling to meet students’ needs. This is due to a variety of reasons, including chronic absences, the high costs of special education and health benefits, and the high cost of living in California. Making this tax permanent, rather than temporary, reflects the ongoing needs of our schools. The loss of an estimated $5 billion to $15 billion in annual revenue would be devastating to our students and educators.
Link to the text of the proposed initiative posted by California’s Attorney General’s Office
Link to CA PTA Study Report
last updated: March, 2026
Important Information for PTA Members
While unit, council, and district PTAs are not required to work actively for any position, they should not officially oppose a stand taken by California State PTA.
- For additional information, see Legislation Policy 7.
- Campaign Restrictions: Use of School Resources
- There are strict restrictions against using school district resources for political activity. This includes, for example, advocating for a ballot measure on school property and communicating advocacy information through school resources, such as the school email and/or website.
- You may gather signatures OFF school property and hold PTA meetings OFF school property for advocacy.
- You may use your PTA website and PTA email to distribute information to your members.
- Please contact your school district for rules and permit requirements for any political activity on school property.
- Campaign Reporting Rules for Local PTAs
- California School Boards Association (CSBA) guidelines for Use of Public Resources for Ballot Measures provide more information and guidance