Should top earners continue to pay for public education? Prop. 3 explained

Should wealthy Californians continue to pay more on their income taxes to fund education? That's the question at the heart of Proposition 3. Here's the deal. Back in 2012, voters approved a higher income tax on California's top earners to help fund schools. They extended it in 2016, and as things stand, it's set to expire in 2031. Prop 3 would make it permanent. We're talking about the top 2% of taxpayers. Right now, that's single filers making over $361,000 or joint filers over $721,000. It brings in anywhere from $5 to $15 billion a year for public schools and community colleges. Supporters, like the California Teachers Association, say letting it expire would gut school funding and force layoffs. Opponents, like the California Taxpayers Association, say voters were promised this tax was temporary. And they warned that leaning too hard on wealthy earners could backfire if they leave the state. So the question on your ballot, keep the tax in place for good or let it sunset. Your call.