1151. (SA2005RF0088)
Public Preschool Education. Tax Increase on Incomes Over $400,000 for Individuals; $800,000 for Couples. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.
Summary Date: 08/15/05 Circulation Deadline: 01/12/06 Signatures Required: 598,105
Proponents: James C. Harrison and Roberta B. Johansen (510) 346-6200
Establishes right to voluntary public preschool for all four-year old children, administered by state Superintendent of Public Instruction and county school superintendents. Funded by 1.7% tax on individual income above $400,000 annually; $800,000 for couples. Directs counties to prepare five-year assessments and annual reports regarding voluntary preschool curriculum, outreach, facilities, childcare coordination, teacher recruitment/ pay, and budgeting. Limits administrative expenses, and requires audits of county programs. Requires state Superintendent to develop preschool teaching credential with financial aid for teachers. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Increased personal income taxes on high-income earners beginning in 2007, with revenues reaching approximately $2.4 billion annually in 2010-11. Revenues would support an entitlement to one year of preschool for four-year olds beginning in 2010-11. Revenues in the early years of the program could be used for facilities, teacher training, student financial aid, and early implementation of preschool services.
Yeah, just tax the rich guy!! I don't quite understand why they always make the tax an odd number (1.7%), why not an even 2%????