The funding initiative is a wise and needed investment.
As our strike demonstrated, when educators talk about what students need, people listen. Here’s an FAQ to guide conversations with friends and family to encourage support on June 4 for this critically needed measure. The funding status quo is unsustainable, and Measure EE is one step to turn things around.
What is Measure EE?
By unanimous vote, Measure EE was placed by the LAUSD Board of Education on the June 4, 2019, special election ballot. It is endorsed by Mayor Eric Garcetti and officially supported by the City of Los Angeles through a unanimous City Council vote. Mail voting begins May 6. It requires a two-thirds vote to pass.
What will Measure EE do?
Measure EE will lower class sizes and help our neighborhood schools retain and attract quality teachers, counselors, school nurses, librarians, and support staff.
Why do we need Measure EE?
Measure EE is a critical part of the solution to the public education funding crisis that was highlighted by our strike. California is the fifth-largest economy in the world—but ranks 44th in the United States in per-pupil funding. This gap is at the heart of Measure EE. Either we correct this imbalance by adding resources to our neighborhood schools or this imbalance will cause California’s economy to decline along with our education system.
Where will the money go?
By law, Measure EE funds are dedicated to:
• Lowering class sizes
• Attracting and retaining teachers and school employees
• Providing equitable school nursing, library, and counseling services
• Providing safe, secure, clean, well-maintained, supportive, and welcoming schools
• Supporting special needs, homeless, foster, and other underserved and disadvantaged students
How are taxpayers protected?
Measure EE is subject to strict taxpayer protections and accountability. Measure EE requires that every dollar is used to support local schools and cannot be taken by the state or federal government.
All Measure EE funds are required by law to be deposited into a separate account, and they are required to be used only for voter-approved purposes. State law requires annual public reporting, and Measure EE goes further by additionally requiring annual audits and oversight by an independent firm.
How will this affect the economy?
The key to a strong economy is a well-educated workforce. By voting yes on Measure EE and investing in quality academic programs such as language arts, math, science, technology, the arts, vocational and career education, and preschool, we can provide students with safe and healthy schools and the quality education they’ll need for college and a career in a competitive economy. That’s good for all of us.
How much will it cost me?
Property owners would pay 16 cents per square foot on buildings (the taxable square footage listed on property tax bills) located on taxable parcels within Los Angeles Unified boundaries. The tax does not apply to land. All properties that are otherwise exempt from property taxes in any year shall also be exempt from Measure EE in such year. The cost to the owner of a 1,000-square-foot house would be $160 per year. The homeowner of a median-sized house would pay approximately $238 annually. Measure EE expires in 12 years.
Measure EE is fair and equitable. Home-owners will pay around 18% of the costs, while big businesses and corporate landlords would pay more than 70%.
Measure EE will not interfere with existing or new rent stabilization ordinances. Measure EE includes exemptions for property owners over age 65 and certain disability recipients.
Learn more at www.YesOnEE.org and like the campaign at www.fb.com/SupportQualitySchools.