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 Mapping the Money, Building the Vision: Strategic Public Financing 101 with Native Communities Learn more about an upcoming training created by and for Tribal citizens to improve funding for Native children and youth. Video What Comes Next: Organizing for Youth Investment in the Social Media Litigation Landscape Learn about the latest developments in the current lawsuits against social media companies and how advocates can build relationships and shape youth investment priorities now. Updates and Events Insights May 12, 2026 Five Ways to Put Your Fiscal Map into Action Insights April 27, 2026 With Federal and State Funding Hanging in the Balance, Local Leaders Find New Ways to Support Children and Youth News March 26, 2026 In a Tough Fiscal Moment, States Look to Raise Revenue and Kids Have a Stake Close Share it! Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Click to copy URL Link Copied!
Video Mapping the Money, Building the Vision: Strategic Public Financing 101 with Native Communities Learn more about an upcoming training created by and for Tribal citizens to improve funding for Native children and youth.
Video What Comes Next: Organizing for Youth Investment in the Social Media Litigation Landscape Learn about the latest developments in the current lawsuits against social media companies and how advocates can build relationships and shape youth investment priorities now.
Insights April 27, 2026 With Federal and State Funding Hanging in the Balance, Local Leaders Find New Ways to Support Children and Youth