What Is Proposition 55? Voter Guide for 2016 California Measures

LOS ANGELES, CA -- If it passes, Proposition 55 would extend for 12 years the temporary income tax increase enacted in 2012 for single people making more than $250,000 a year or married couples with a joint income filing of at least $526,000.

The tax increase is set to expire after 2018, but Prop 55 would extend it through 2030. The tax revenue would go primarily to K-12 schools and community colleges. Some years, funding would also go to health care. Proponents say it would prevent $4 billion in cuts to public schools and increase children's access to health care, while opponents say voters only supported the 2012 tax increase because the governor said it would be temporary.

The measure has the support of the Democratic and Green parties, and a mixture of unions, school districts and groups such as the Middle Class Taxpayers Association. Proponents say it will increase state revenues by $4 billion to $9 billion each year from 2019 through 2030. They contend it funds schools and healthcare while helping to balance the budget.

Its opponents include the Republican and Libertarian parties, the California Chamber of Commerce, and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. They contend it needlessly extends a tax increase while hurting small businesses.

According to the ballot summary:

• Extends by twelve years the temporary personal income tax increases enacted in 2012 on earnings over $250,000 (for single filers; over $500,000 for joint filers; over $340,000 for heads of household).
• Allocates these tax revenues 89% to K-12 schools and 11% to California Community Colleges.
• Allocates up to $2 billion per year in certain years for healthcare programs.
• Bars use of education revenues for administrative costs, but provides local school boards discretion to decide, in open meetings and subject to annual audit, how revenues are to be spent

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 8

Your polling place is listed on the back of the sample ballot you receive in the mail. It can also be found by visiting www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place or by calling (800) 345-VOTE (8683).

For more on all of California's measures, see below:

• What Is Proposition 51?
• What Is Proposition 52?
• What Is Proposition 53?
• What Is Proposition 54?
• What Is Proposition 55?
• What Is Proposition 56?
• What Is Proposition 57?
• What Is Proposition 58?
• What Is Proposition 59?
• What Is Proposition 60?
• What Is Proposition 61?
• What Is Proposition 62?
• What Is Proposition 63?
• What Is Proposition 64?
• What Is Proposition 65?
• What Is Proposition 66?
• What Is Proposition 67?

Patch file photo

City News Service contributed to this report.