Across the nation, Americans were asked to cast their vote on issues relating to special education. Voters were asked about funding for special education in several propositions. You may have voted for a candidate because you agreed with his or her views about Special Education. Here is a brief review of the results that could affect your child’s education.
In St. Louis County, Missouri, Proposition S was on the ballot. It asked voters if they wanted to allow a 19 cent tax levy to take effect. The money would be used for the Special School District of St. Louis County, so it could continue to provide Special Education services to student with disabilities. The result was that the majority of voters said “yes”.
In Utah, voters elected Democrat Jim Matheson to Congress. He was running against Republican Mia Love, who wanted to eliminate the Department of Education. That is the department that issues funding for schools to use in their Special Education programs, thanks to the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Voters in Multnomah County, Oregon, voted for a bond that will be used to improve schools. Part of the funding will be used to make schools more accessible to students who are disabled.
Voters in Oakland, California, voted for Measure J. The majority of homeowners were willing to pay a property tax increase of up to $60 per $100,000 in assessed property value. The money will be used make improvements in the public schools, (including making the schools more accessible to students who are disabled).
Voters in California voted for Proposition 30. It increases the state sales tax by a quarter-cent on the dollar for four years and increases income taxes on California’s highest earners for seven years. The money goes to prevent further cuts in the schools.
There were changes made to the Texas Board of Education this election. Democrat Martha Dominguez defeated Republican Carlos “Charlie” Garza. Dominguez is a veteran educator who was president of the Yseleta Federation of Teachers. Democrat Marissa Perez defeated Republican David Williams. Perez has experience working with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Voters in Oregon voted for Measure 85. It allows corporate “kicker checks” to be redirected into a special fund for public schools. Kicker checks are issues when the income tax collections exceed state revenue projections by more than 2%. They average about $120 million every two years. That money will now be used to improve schools.
Image by League of Women Voters of California on Flickr