An impressive majority of Californians support Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal to provide a record $80.7 billion in funding to California public schools, according to a new poll by Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC).

In a show of the widespread support for increases to public education funding, 70 percent of California adults approve of Newsom’s budget priorities, according to the non-partisan PPIC poll titled “Californians & Their Government.” Support for his plan to allocate $1.8 billion to expand early childhood education and increase higher ed funding by $823 million are even more popular, garnering 77 and 78 percent approval, respectively.

“Gov. Newsom’s first budget proposal is highly popular among Californians, and there is overwhelming support for his plans to increase funding for preschool and higher education,” said Mark Baldassare, PPIC president and CEO.

Californians see public education as the state’s highest spending priority, with 46 percent of respondents identifying K-12 education as the state’s top funding need. Higher education came in third place (16 percent), following health and human services in second (32 percent).

CTA President Eric Heins said the governor’s proposed budget shows he understands the needs of public education and the students of California.

“We look forward to working with Gov. Newsom and the Legislature throughout the budget process to ensure all students have the resources to succeed, safe environments to grow and opportunities to thrive in their communities,” Heins said.