In surprising (or Not) Development, California Asks

Continuing our look at the 14 propositions on the November 2026 California poll (Proposition 1, concerning the authorization of bonds to finance inexpensive housing, is right here, and Proposition 2, concerning an increase of the state’s “rainy day fund,” is right here), we now come to Proposition 3. Which, since this is California we’re speaking about, unsurprisingly includes taxes. Not technically raising taxes, but slightly making everlasting a tax increase authorized by voters in 2012.

Back in 2012 — my apologies for reminding you how that election went — California’s voters agreed to a short-term, in this case seven years in length, state income tax increase for residents who, if single, made $250,000 a 12 months or more and {couples} who made $500,000 or more. The law specified that all income from the income tax so acquired had to go immediately to local faculty districts and neighborhood faculties. Because, like every little thing Democrats do (ask them), it’s for the CHILDREN!!! The proposition also elevated California’s gross sales tax from 7.25 p.c to 7.5 p.c for 4 years.

In 2016, California voters authorized a proposition that prolonged the income tax increase from its unique seven-year length to 12 years. The gross sales tax increase expired; the speed returned to 7.25 p.c, where it stays. However, unbeknownst to many, including California residents, extra gross sales taxes may be levied at both the county and metropolis ranges. But that is a dialogue for another time.

Back to Proposition 3. It would make the income tax brackets initially affected by the 2012 initiative everlasting. The charges are adjusted for inflation; at 2025 ranges, we’re speaking about $371,000 for a single, $742,000 for a couple, and $505,000 for those who, when submitting their state income tax return, listing themselves as the top of family. 89 p.c of the tax income could be allotted to local Ok-12 faculties, with the rest given to neighborhood faculties. How the funds could be spent could be determined by local faculty boards, with the stipulation that none of it’s used for administrative prices. The Legislative Analyst’s workplace estimates the quantity of money concerned at between 5 and 15 billion {dollars} a 12 months.

According to the state’s own numbers, California has 5,731,260 college students enrolled in its public schooling system. This is a seven-percent lower from 10 years in the past. This 12 months alone noticed a 1.3 p.c drop in enrollment from the earlier 12 months. One would suppose that, given fewer college students requiring money to be spent on their indoctrination … er, schooling, a corresponding lower in the money accessible for spending would counsel itself. But this is California we’re speaking about.

It will never occur, but it will be good if once — just once — the powers that be would say, “You know, we need more money for this or that. Tell you what we’re going to do. We’re going to find the most ornery financial auditing firm out there, one that despises both sides of the aisle with equal fervor, and let them not only check all the books but also do on-site evaluations with no questions unasked and no stones unturned. Then, we’ll let them present all their findings. If, and only if, they produce evidence that more money needs to spent will we come to you with any kind of tax increase.” As I said, it can never occur. But it’s enjoyable to dream. In the meantime, let’s guarantee that there will probably be less tax income, regardless of whether or not Proposition 3 passes, because people affected by measures like Proposition 3 will continue leaving California, besides now in ever-increasing numbers. BRILLIANT!

Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will decide the destiny of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must keep control of both chambers of Congress.

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