Ballot measure would prevent billions in cuts to schools and healthcare by extending the existing tax on the wealthiest Californians

SACRAMENTO, CA — Californians for Protecting Public Education, Healthcare and Budget Stability today announced submitting more than 1.6 million signatures to county elections officials to qualify the California Children’s Education and Health Care Protection Act of 2026, also known as the extension of Proposition 55, for the November 2026 ballot.

The submission far exceeds the number required and reflects massive statewide support to prevent billions in state budget cuts to our local schools and healthcare.

“It’s clear from the widespread support that the Prop. 55 extension received in the signature gathering process that our communities are committed to fighting for fully funded public schools,” said CTA President David Goldberg. “California is the 4th largest economy in the world, with egregious wealth disparity. We either vote to extend Prop. 55 now, or our state’s wealthiest get a tax break in 2030 while 1-in-6 educators lose their jobs. Seems like a common-sense choice.”

Coalition members and volunteers helped collect more than 200,000 signatures, highlighting the broad, grassroots support for protecting schools and healthcare.

“This is a testament to what working people can accomplish together. We are proud to stand alongside our coalition partners and the many volunteers who made this possible,” said California School Employees Association President Adam Weinberger. “The overwhelming support for this measure shows Californians want to ensure our public schools have the resources they need so every student has the support to succeed. Our members were honored to do their part, and we remain focused on what matters most: delivering for our students and strengthening the future of public education.”

“Californians shouldn’t give the wealthiest a tax break while our schools lose funding,” said California Federation of Teachers President Jeff Freitas. “This measure keeps existing rates in place so we can continue investing in our students.”

Arnulfo de la Cruz, President of SEIU CA State Council and SEIU 2015, added: “This isn’t a new tax—it simply continues the existing tax on the wealthiest Californians to protect funding for our schools and healthcare. If we don’t act, millionaires and billionaires get a tax cut while our classrooms and healthcare system face devastating cuts.”

County elections officials will now begin counting the number of signatures submitted in order to start the signature verification process. The measure is expected to qualify for the November 2026 ballot.