California Teachers Launched Proposition 3 Campaign

Educators mobilized across the state to collect signatures for a measure extending taxes on top earners.

Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a public institution facade, representing institutional advocacy for education funding in California. — California Teachers Association members launched a campaign for Proposition 3, a measure seeking to permanently extend tax rates on the state's wealthiest residents. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should states permanently extend income taxes on top earners to fund public education?

More than 1,000 California Teachers Association members gathered at 70 locations throughout the state to campaign for Proposition 3. The measure seeks to permanently extend a tax on the wealthiest citizens that is currently slated to expire in 2030.

Why it matters

Proposition 3 aims to safeguard funding for public education and various state programs. The California Teachers Association warns that if the current tax is not extended, state revenues would drop by billions of dollars annually.

Qualifying Proposition 3 requires collecting 1.6 million signatures. The measure is designed to make permanent an income tax on high earners that was first passed in 2012 and extended in 2016.

The players

California Teachers Association

This organization represents over 300,000 educators and education support professionals across California.

The details

Educators participated in the campaign by knocking on doors to speak with voters at 70 locations including Stockton. The effort is part of a union-led coalition aiming to ensure the long-term stability of public school funding.

The original tax was passed by voters in 2012 via Prop 20.
Voters extended the tax in 2016 via Prop 55.
California Teachers Association members campaigned for the measure on September 19, 2026.
The current wealth tax is set to expire in 2030.

Political Context

Opposition to such measures typically centers on concerns regarding the long-term economic impact of maintaining higher tax rates on top income earners. Critics often argue that permanent tax extensions limit fiscal flexibility and may affect state-wide business competitiveness.

The passage of Proposition 3 would directly impact the tax obligations of high-income earners in California. For the average resident, the measure is intended to stabilize funding levels for local public schools and state-sponsored programs.

The takeaway

Supporters are banking on current signature momentum to secure a spot for the measure on the next ballot. Voters should monitor whether the union coalition meets its ambitious signature target before upcoming filing deadlines.