| PTAs and Ballot Measure Positions
For the November 5, 2024, Statewide General Election: 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. On August 10, 2024, the California State PTA Board of Managers voted to approve SUPPORT positions for each of the following four measures slated for inclusion on the ballot for the November 5, 2024, Statewide General Election. Studies were 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 Secretary of State. Download the PDF of the California State PTA 2024 Ballot Measures Flyer to share and advocate locally. |
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California State PTA SUPPORTs: Proposition 2
AUTHORIZES BONDS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE FACILITIES. LEGISLATIVE STATUTE.
Proposition 2 will authorize $10 billion in state general obligation bonds for repairs, upgrades, and construction of facilities at K-12 public schools and community colleges. Public schools get $8.5 billion to renovate existing facilities, buy land and erect new construction, and upgrade facilities for career technical education programs and charter schools, while $1.5 billion goes to community college facilities. Requires annual audits. Fiscal Impact: Increased state costs of about $500 million annually for 35 years to repay the bonds. The state’s school repair fund – last replenished in 2016 – is nearly empty. Passage of Proposition 2 would provide $10 billion needed for California’s schools.
Link to ballot measure posted by California’s Secretary of State
California State PTA SUPPORTs: Proposition 3
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO MARRIAGE. LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Proposition 3 will amend the California Constitution to recognize the fundamental right to marry, regardless of sex or race. Removes outdated language in the California Constitution stating that marriage is only between a man and a woman. The Supreme Court held; “[T]he right to ‘marry, establish a home and bring up children’ is a central part of the liberty protected by the Due Process Clause.” Excluding same-sex couples from marriage thus conflicts with a central premise of the right to marry. Without the recognition, stability, and predictability marriage offers, their children suffer the stigma of knowing their families are somehow lesser… – Justice Anthony Kennedy. Fiscal Impact: No change in revenues or costs for state and local governments. Passage of Proposition 3 would affirm marriage equality for all Californians.
Link to ballot measure posted by California’s Secretary of State
California State PTA SUPPORTs: Proposition 4
Authorizes Bonds FOR SAFE DRINKING WATER, WILDFIRE PREVENTION, AND PROTECTING COMMUNITIES AND NATURAL LANDS FROM CLIMATE RISKS. LEGISLATIVE STATUTE.
Proposition 4 will authorize $10 billion in general obligation bonds toward these goals: Increase safe drinking water supply, reduce drought and flood risks; improve forest health and wildfire protections; reduce coastal risks (sea level rise, protect fish); protect/restore natural habitats; support renewable energy; expand/ renovate local and state parks; extreme heat mitigation; help farms to be climate-resilient and more sustainable. Requires annual audits. Fiscal Impact: Increased state costs of about $400 million annually for 40 years to repay bonds. Passage of Proposition 4 would provide $10 billion to help California cope with climate change issues.
Link to ballot measure posted by California’s Secretary of State
California State PTA SUPPORTs: Proposition 5
Allows LOCAL BONDS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE WITH 55% VOTER APPROVAL. LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
Proposition 5 will amend the California Constitution to allow for approval of bonds with a 55% vote, rather than the current 2/3 approval requirement, for affordable housing for low- and middle-income Californians, and for local infrastructure projects, including roads, water, and fire protection. Accountability requirements include citizens oversight committee and annual audits. Fiscal Impact: Increased local borrowing to fund affordable housing, supportive housing, and public infrastructure. The amount would depend on decisions by local governments and voters. Borrowing would be repaid with higher property taxes. Passage of Proposition 5 would make it easier to pass bond measures to fund affordable housing.
Link to ballot measure posted by California’s Secretary of State
UPDATED FOR 2024
Positions previously taken by the California State PTA Board of Managers on measures which are no longer appearing on the November 2024 ballot:
OPPOSE: Initiative #1935 (21-0042A1) LIMITS ABILITY OF VOTERS AND STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO RAISE REVENUES FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
On June 20, 2024, the California Supreme Court issued an opinion, in Legislature of the State of California v. Weber, directing the Secretary of State to refrain from taking any steps to place Initiative #1935 on the ballot or include the measure in the voter information guide.
If passed by voters, this ballot measure would have undermined the ability of local voters to meet the revenue needs of state and local communities at a time when more money, not less, is needed to maintain important local and statewide services. Would redefine state fees as taxes, requiring voter approval.
SUPPORT: ACA 13 (Ward) Voting thresholds. (Res. Ch. 176, 2023) STATEWIDE BALLOT MEASURE: ASSEMBLY CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT NO. 13
The measure requires that any ballot initiative that increases voter approval thresholds also be approved at that same higher level. It has been moved to the November 2026 ballot.
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 using school resources such as school email, website, etc.
- 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 for more information and guidance