California teachers have launched a massive statewide door-to-door campaign ahead of the November election to support Proposition 3, a ballot measure designed to make permanent an income tax surcharge on the top 2% of earners. According to the California Teachers Association (CTA), educators from dozens of districts set a one-day canvassing record on Sept. 19 by knocking on thousands of doors to advocate for school funding protections.
Proposition 3 and School Funding Protection
Proposition 3 addresses a temporary income tax surcharge enacted in 2012 that currently generates billions of dollars for K-12 schools and community colleges. Without voter approval to make the measure permanent, the revenue stream is scheduled to expire in 2031. Proponents argue that its defeat would strip vital resources from local districts, with local union leaders like Fremont Unified District Teachers Association President Vicky Chon noting that her district alone risks losing $20 million annually.
According to state filings submitted on Sept. 24, the Yes on 3 campaign has raised $46.8 million, heavily backed by major labor organizations. The CTA contributed $33.3 million, representing 71% of the total funds raised, while the National Education Association added $10 million. Additional support came from the California Federation of Teachers with $1.75 million and the Service Employees International Union with $1.5 million. By contrast, the opposition campaign has raised only $5,500, according to state records.
The Statewide Canvassing Push
On Sept. 19, the CTA organized a coordinated day of action across California. In Fremont, 69 local teachers knocked on 2,533 doors in neighborhoods lined with mid-century homes. Across the state, 1,150 teachers from 69 school districts visited 36,509 homes to distribute informational flyers.
The campaign literature also highlights Richard Barrera, president of the San Diego Unified school board and a candidate for state superintendent of public instruction. CTA President David Goldberg stated that the union allocated its substantial war chest in June to ensure the campaign rises above the noise of 14 competing measures on the November ballot.
Contrasting Tax Proposals on the Ballot
Proposition 3 is one of two major tax measures facing California voters this November. The second, Proposition 40, proposes the nation’s first net-worth tax targeting the state’s 200-plus billionaires. The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office projects that a one-time 5% levy on billionaire assets could yield tens of billions of dollars.
However, Proposition 40 has drawn opposition from the CTA. Under existing constitutional formulas established in 1988, K-12 schools and community colleges receive 40% of general fund revenues. Proposition 40 would allocate only 10% of its proceeds to education, whereas Proposition 3 maintains the traditional 40% distribution ratio. Fiscal analysts warn that a billionaire wealth tax could prompt ultra-wealthy residents to relocate to states with lower tax burdens, potentially reducing annual state revenue.
Tax Surcharge Thresholds
Under Proposition 3, the existing income tax structure for high earners remains codified. The surcharge begins with a 1% additional tax on taxable income starting at $371,000 for single filers and $742,000 for joint filers. The rate increases by an additional 3 percentage points for single earners making more than $743,000 and joint filers making over $1.5 million.