550,000-member California State PTA backs Prop 40 to protect healthcare, education, and food assistance for California families

SACRAMENTO — On the heels of major endorsements from the California Democratic Party, the California AFL-CIO, and the California Nurses Association, Prop 40, the California Billionaire Tax, has picked up another major endorsement. 

California State PTA, representing more than 550,000 members in nearly 3,200 local units, councils, and districts statewide, is encouraging its members and the public to vote yes on Prop 40 in November, citing the urgent funding needs facing California’s children, youth, and families across healthcare, education, and basic needs.

“This vote matters for the health and education of every child in California,” said Heather Ippolito, President of California State PTA. “Prop 40 will deliver urgently needed resources to stabilize healthcare and support schools for students and families across the state.”

The measure would require more than 200 California billionaires to pay a modest, one-time tax to keep local hospitals and emergency rooms open and fund public schools and nutrition programs for the state’s children.

Federal budget cuts have already begun reducing funding for public education, healthcare, and food assistance in California. State estimates show that as many as 578,000 Californians could lose some or all of their CalFresh food assistance, and up to 3.4 million Californians could lose Medi-Cal coverage, with school districts across the state also facing cutbacks.

Recognizing the hardship these federal cuts are causing children and families, California State PTA said it could not sit on the sidelines of this critical funding debate.

Prop 40 will help offset these cuts, with 90 percent of funds raised going toward stabilizing California’s healthcare system and protecting healthcare access for all Californians, and 10 percent funding food assistance and supporting K through 14 public education. For California State PTA, an organization with positions on child and family health as well as education, Prop 40’s split reflects where the need is most urgent right now.

“For three years, California has used deferrals, suspensions, and reserve withdrawals to balance the budget under Proposition 98,” Heather said. “Families are the ones who feel that gap first, whether it shows up in a clinic, a classroom, or a kitchen table. Prop 40 gives our state the resources to close that gap without asking families to wait any longer.”

The endorsement comes as the California Teachers Association leadership has mounted a campaign against the measure, despite 63 percent of its statewide membership expressing support for it in a recent poll.

Not only did California State PTA  endorse Prop 40, it also voted to officially oppose Propositions 41 and 42, both of which would reverse the funding created by Prop 40 and threaten food assistance and healthcare access for millions of children across the state.

Prop 40 will enact a one-time tax paid ONLY by Californians worth more than $1 billion, a small group of people who together hold $2 trillion in wealth, most of which will never be taxed due to loopholes that favor the ultra-wealthy.

By voting YES on Prop 40, voters can raise about $100 billion to help restore healthcare funding lost to recent federal budget cuts. The funds will go to life-saving medical care for Californians, helping millions keep their health insurance without seeing premiums skyrocket

“Again and again, we see billionaires getting special treatment while working families and future generations get stuck paying the bill. That is unacceptable. Families need life-saving care, quality public education, and healthy meals,” said Debru Carthan, Executive Vice President, SEIU-UHW. “We’re honored to have the support of the California State PTA.”

About California State PTA

California State PTA connects families, schools, and communities. We are part of the foundation of our public-education system and a trusted messenger to millions of members, parents, families, educators, and allied agencies throughout the state. PTA is the nation’s largest volunteer-led child-advocacy association working to drive improvements in the education, health, and well-being of all children, youth, and families. For more information: www.capta.org.

About Prop 40, the California Billionaire Tax Act

Trump’s “Big, Ugly Bill” slashed funding for healthcare in California to pay for more billionaire tax breaks. These cuts eliminate healthcare coverage for up to 3.4 million Californians and double health insurance premiums for millions more. Prop 40, the California Billionaire Tax Act, will make billionaires finally pay their fair share in taxes to keep local hospitals and ERs open and healthcare affordable for millions of Californians.

Vote YES on Prop 40 to save lives, tax billionaires. 

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Paid for by Yes on 40 – Billionaire Tax Now – No on 41 & 42, Sponsored by Service Employees International Union – United Healthcare Workers West. Committee’s Top Funders  Service Employees International Union – United Healthcare Workers West Hillary Perkins Ross Boucher

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