Proposition 28 - Provides Additional Funding for Arts and Music Education in Public Schools. Initiative Statute.

Summary

Provides additional funding from state General Fund for arts and music education in all K–12 public schools (including charter schools). Fiscal Impact: Increased state costs of about $1 billion annually, beginning next year, for arts education in public schools.

A "yes" vote on this measure means the state would provide additional funding specifically for arts education in public schools. This amount would be above the constitutionally required amount of funding for public schools and community colleges.

A "no" vote on this measure means funding for arts education in public schools would continue to depend on state and local budget decisions.

Arguments

"If you tie this in through a ballot initiative with the people, you'll have a problem. In order to fix problems with it down the road, you likely have to take it back to the people and it costs millions of dollars just for the [ballot measure] process alone." - Lance Christensen, Vice President, Education Policy & Government Affairs at the California Policy Center and candidate for California Superintendent of Public Instruction, in opposition to Proposition 28 (Learn more)

"Proposition 28 will not raise taxes on California residents, and the funding provided for arts education will be in addition to the state funding currently provided to California public schools. The measure includes strong accountability and transparency measures, including annual public reports to verify that the funds are spent as intended." - Edwin Gomez, Ed.D., Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, in support of Proposition 28 (Learn more)

"Education spending isn't capricious. Neither are the arts. California's kids need and deserve a more robust commitment on both fronts from voters. That means saying "yes" to Prop. 28 on Nov. 8." - San Francisco Chronicle Editorial Board, in support of Proposition 28 (Learn more)

"Students from low-income backgrounds who receive an arts education are less likely to drop out of school, more likely to receive a degree and more inclined to pursue a career. Arts and music instruction also builds emotional awareness and fosters empathy — critical skills for success well beyond a child's school years." - The Sacramento Bee Editorial Board, in support of Proposition 28 (Learn more)

Measure Details