In recent years, the need for increased funding to support children has become evident as pandemic-related aid has dissipated. Challenges such as child care shortages and mental health concerns persist. In response, states are seeking new revenue streams to support young children. However, some places have proposed measures to scale back these efforts.
This election saw over 10 ballot measures across the U.S. proposing tax increases or new revenue sources for child care and children’s services. Voters largely chose to maintain or boost funding for these initiatives.
Related: Our biweekly Early Childhood newsletter highlights innovative solutions to the obstacles facing the youngest students. Subscribe for free.
Here’s an overview of early childhood measures in this election: (Updates to follow as vote counts are finalized.)
Child Care:
❌ Washington State: Initiative 2109 sought to repeal a capital gains tax funding child care programs. The tax will stay due to the measure’s failure. FAILED
✅ Travis County, Texas: Proposition A proposed a property tax raise to secure over $75 million for affordable child care, compensating for lost federal funds. PASSED
❌ St. Paul, Minnesota: The 2024 Early Care and Learning Proposal, a property tax levy, aimed to generate public child care funding. Despite the city’s mayor expressing doubt about enacting it, the measure failed. FAILED
Sonoma County, California: Measure I sought voter approval for a quarter-cent sales tax to fund child care and health initiatives, especially for homeless children. It is LIKELY TO PASS.
Related: What convinces voters to raise taxes: child care
Early Childhood Health, Education, and Well-being:
✅ Platte County, Missouri: The Platte County Children’s Services Fund measure proposed a quarter-cent sales tax for mental health programs, including early childhood screening. It PASSED.
Pomona County, California: Measure Y intends to reallocate city funds to establish a Department of Children and Youth, funding child care and parental support. It is LIKELY TO PASS.
Santa Cruz, California: Measure Z proposed a tax on sugary drinks to fund youth mental health and children’s programs. It is LIKELY TO PASS.
✅ Colorado: Proposition KK aims to establish a $39 million fund via a gun and ammo tax, allocating $3 million to children’s behavioral health. It PASSED.
❌ Missouri: Amendment 5 proposed a new gambling boat license to fund early childhood literacy. It FAILED.
✅ Nevada: Question 5 proposed exempting diapers from sales tax starting January 2025. It PASSED.
Related: Her child care center was already on the brink — then coronavirus struck
Contact staff writer Jackie Mader at (212) 678-3562 or mader@hechingerreport.org.
This story about ballot measures for child services was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education, with support from the Spencer Fellowship at Columbia Journalism School. Sign up for the Early Childhood newsletter.
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