Election 2016: Prop 55
Here's what you need to know to decide how to vote on California's Proposition 55.
ICYMI: the 2016 election will be held on Tuesday, November 8, with early voting kicking off at San Francisco’s City Hall on Tuesday, October 11.
In addition to voting for officials at the local, state, and national level, San Franciscans will face a decision on 17 state ballot initiatives and 25 local propositions.
Not sure how to vote on Proposition 55? We hope the brief voter guide below will help you decide!
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What Is Prop 55?
Prop 55 would extend by 12 years the temporary tax increase on personal income above $250,000 that was enacted under Proposition 30 in 2012.
The generated revenue would be earmarked for education, including K-12 schools and state community colleges, as well as health care in certain years.
Who Supports Prop 55?
Key supporters of Prop 55 include: the California Democratic Party and a long list of public officials (including Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, State Controller Betty Yee, and State Treasurer John Chiang), school districts, community college boards, and other organizations.
Supporters argue that the proposition would “help children thrive” by preventing $4 billion in funding cuts to the state’s public schools and increasing children’s access to health care.
Proponents also contend that Prop 55 would only impact the state’s wealthiest residents, while avoiding raising taxes on anyone and actually lowering the sales tax.
Who Opposes Prop 55?
Key opponents of Prop 55 include: the California Republican Party, California Chamber of Commerce, and California Taxpayers Association.
Opponents argue that the proposition would essentially lead to a broken promise from state politicians by extending a measure that was supposed to be temporary.
Opponents also contend that Prop 55 would hurt small businesses, and moreover, is unnecessary because education and health care can be funded without new or higher taxes.
Learn More about Prop 55
To learn more, read the full text of Proposition 55.
