The fight is not over: business groups appeal “Baby” Prop C

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association recently followed through on their promise to appeal the decision by Superior Court Judge Ethan Schulman, validating the passage of “Baby” Prop C by San Francisco voters in June 2018.

Read the full story here: San Francisco Examiner: Business groups appeal ruling upholding taxes to fund child care, homeless services.

On July 3, 2019 child care champions staged a vocal rally at the SF Superior Court in anticipation of the hearing, and were thrilled to hear Judge Schulman’s decision, declaring that “Baby” Prop C was safe.

While the appeal did not come as a surprise to child care advocates, it once again underscored the importance that San Francisco citizens must be vigilant and vocal about this critical initiative.

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More About “Baby” Prop C

The Early Care for All Initiative — also known as “Baby” Prop. C — was a tax measure that passed in June of 2018. It was expected to raise more than $125M annually for the field of child care and early education.

As a proposition that was placed on the ballot by voters, it only needed a majority vote (50%+one) to pass. Four out-of-town business groups, led by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, then filed a joint appeal, which stated that “Baby” Prop C ought to have been treated as a special tax, which requires a two-thirds majority vote to pass. 

On July 3, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Ethan Schulman took statements from both sides before ruling against the appeal and upholding the legality of both propositions. Our sister organization, the Child Care Law Center, has written an excellent, detailed summary of the ruling, which you can access here.