Proposition 28: Would mean up to $1 billion more for K-12 arts and music education

K-12 schools —both public and charter — would receive significantly more funding for arts and music education if voters approve Proposition 28.

What does a ‘yes’ vote mean?

A “yes” on Proposition 28 would mandate additional funding for arts and music education, above what is already required by the California Constitution.

The Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates that the measure would cost the state between $800 million and $1 billion annually.

What does a ‘no’ vote mean?

A “no” on Proposition 28 would keep K-12 school arts funding at its current level, dependent on state and local budget decisions.

Who benefits?

Just 1 in 5 California public schools have a full-time music or arts teacher, depriving millions of students of the opportunity. Prop. 28 was spurred by former Los Angeles Unified Supt. Austin Beutner and is supported by the California Teachers Association, the California State PTA and a long roster of labor unions, educational groups and celebrities.

The spending is subject to annual audits, with schools required to post reports on how they use the money.

Who doesn’t?

There is no formal opposition.

Follow the money

Proposition 28 is one of the less attention-getting ballot measures on the November ballot, and accordingly much less money has been spent.

The Yes On 28 political action committee has raised more than $9.3 million, and spent $8.9 million, according to the website Ballotpedia, which draws its data from the California Secretary of State’s Office.

Top donors include Austin Beutner, former Microsoft CEO Steven Ballmer, Fender Musical Instruments, the California Teachers Association and Monica Rosenthal.

There is no recorded opposing committee.

This story was originally published October 9, 2022 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Proposition 28: Would mean up to $1 billion more for K-12 arts and music education."