Update: Because of an incorrect hyperlink provided to EdSource, the version of this story published Jan. 30 was based on results of a previous survey by the Public Policy Institute of California. A revised story is below.
California voters remain supportive of spending for education as their top priority, according to a new survey by the Public Policy Institute of California.
Some 81 percent of Californians (90 percent of Democrats and 66 percent of Republicans) say they support increasing state spending on K-12 education, according to the “Californians and their Government” survey. That’s nearly four times the support for increasing spending for prisons and corrections at 23 percent (25 percent of Democrats, 29 percent of Republicans but only 13 percent of Independents).
Voters also remain receptive to amending Proposition 13, the 1978 measure to restrict property taxes, to tax commercial properties according to their current market value – a switch that would raise more money from owners of businesses while leaving the rules on residential properties alone. Studies have shown that residential properties change hands more often than commercial properties, triggering more frequent reassessments and higher taxes. In the latest poll, consistent with polls over the past decade, 58 percent of all adults and 59 percent of likely voters favor the idea of amending the measure, while 36 percent oppose it. Support is highest in the Bay Area (66 percent) and lowest in Los Angeles (51 percent).
For full survey results, go here.
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