LEGISLATION WRAP-UP AND UPCOMING EVENTS
The 2024 legislative session is over, with the Governor needing to sign/veto bills by September 30th. For a detailed summary, see this Ed100 blog post.
The California State PTA Monthly Advocacy Call on October 21, 7pm, will feature the yearly wrap-up by CAPTA's legislation team. Anyone can attend the webinar, register here.
A special shout-out for this year's First District PTA Superintendents & Administrators Conference and Luncheon (October 28th, 10:30am), which will feature an exploration of the current state of education funding in California. There's still time to sign up here.
Registration hasn't yet opened for this year's California State PTA Legislation Conference, but we do know the dates: February 3-4, 2025. More details will be released during the October 21 webinar. With several of the Assembly/Senate offices in First District changing hands, this will be an important conference, so stay tuned!
ELECTION CAMPAIGNS AND THE ROLE OF PTA
We are less than three weeks away from the November 5th election. In addition to deciding national and local leadership, registered California voters will be able to make choices that affect funding for our public education. In many communities, local elections for city council and school board will have a direct impact on your school communities.
Comply with Regulations
PTA is a powerful voice advocating for issues affecting the health and well-being of every child and using this voice is vital when it comes to creating informed citizens. With the strength of our collective voice, comes a huge responsibility, particularly in holding to the regulations of a 501(c)(3) organization.
To maintain the IRS tax-exempt status and continue to receive tax-deductible contributions, a PTA may not participate in any type of political campaign or other activity on behalf of or in opposition to a candidate for any public office. Nor may a PTA devote more than an insubstantial part of its volunteer activity and expenditures to influence the outcome of ballot measures and other legislation.
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.
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.
California State PTA Supports: Proposition 2 – Legislative Statute.
AUTHORIZES BONDS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE FACILITIES.
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
Link to CA PTA Study Report
California State PTA Supports: Proposition 3 – Legislative Constitutional Amendment
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO MARRIAGE.
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
Link to CA PTA Study Report
California State PTA Supports: Proposition 4 – Legislative Statute
Authorizes Bonds FOR SAFE DRINKING WATER, WILDFIRE PREVENTION, AND PROTECTING COMMUNITIES AND NATURAL LANDS FROM CLIMATE RISKS.
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
Link to CA PTA Study Report
California State PTA Supports: Proposition 5 – Legislative Constitutional Amendment.
Allows LOCAL BONDS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE WITH 55% VOTER APPROVAL.
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
Link to CA PTA Study Report
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.
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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.
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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.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Dave Cole, VP Legislation
legislation@pta1.org
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