San Antonio, TX’s Pre-K 4 SA: A November 2020 Ballot Measure Case StudyIn 2012, voters in San Antonio, TX, levied a ⅛ cent sales tax to establish a citywide early childhood education program called Pre-K 4 SA. The program offers free preschool, meals, and transportation for qualifying children, as well as a grant program and job training for teachers. The original ballot language required voters to renew the sales tax that funded the program every eight years after its passage. In March 2020, the Keep Pre-K 4 SA campaign kicked off with plans to bring the renewal vote to the ballot in May 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the state to push the election to fall 2020, which significantly altered the campaign’s timeline and strategy. The campaign adjusted to the new ballot date, and in November 2020 voters approved the reauthorization of the sales tax that will generate approximately $36 million annually for Pre-K 4 SA. Download PDF Filed under:Early Childhood, Advocates/Intermediaries, Funders, Policymakers/Agency Leaders, Publication, Voter-Approved Children’s FundsMore Resources Video Public Financing in Times of Uncertainty Presenters share strategies for confronting challenges kids' programs and services face during these unstable political times. Publication Travis County Votes “Yes” for Affordable Child Care Advocates in Travis County, TX, won a ballot measure in 2024 that will provide more than $75 million annually to fund services for infants, toddlers, children, and youth. Updates and Events News March 20, 2025 Multiple State Legislatures Introduce Bills to Provide Sustained Funding for Kids News January 29, 2025 State Tax Cuts Threaten Public Funding Just When Child and Youth Programs Are Most Needed Insights December 11, 2024 Reflecting on a Year of Accomplishments for Children and Youth—and Preparing for a New Political Climate Close Share it! Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Click to copy URL Link Copied!
Video Public Financing in Times of Uncertainty Presenters share strategies for confronting challenges kids' programs and services face during these unstable political times.
Publication Travis County Votes “Yes” for Affordable Child Care Advocates in Travis County, TX, won a ballot measure in 2024 that will provide more than $75 million annually to fund services for infants, toddlers, children, and youth.
News March 20, 2025 Multiple State Legislatures Introduce Bills to Provide Sustained Funding for Kids
News January 29, 2025 State Tax Cuts Threaten Public Funding Just When Child and Youth Programs Are Most Needed
Insights December 11, 2024 Reflecting on a Year of Accomplishments for Children and Youth—and Preparing for a New Political Climate