Proposition J | californiachoices.org

My vote

Would create an Our Children, Our Families Initiative (OCOF Initiative), led by the Mayor and the Superintendent of the School District and staffed by employees of the City and School District, to ensure that funds for services for children, youth and their families through the Children and Youth Fund, the Public Education Enrichment Fund and the Student Success Fund, and other programs are used effectively. This group would evaluate expenditures from the Children and Youth Fund and the PEEF and would prepare an annual report for the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors, who must approve these expenditures as part of the budget process. Prop J is a charter amendment that requires 50%+1 affirmative votes to pass.

Fiscal Impact: Proposition J would have a significant impact on the cost of government of up to $35 million in FY 2024-25 and increasing to up to $83 million in FY 2037-38 in that it would reallocate funding that would otherwise be available to the General Fund. Additionally, staffing costs to support the operations of the newly created Our Children, Our Families Initiative, could range from $140,000 to $570,000 annually.

Next San Francisco County Measure: Measure K

See Endorsements for Proposition J

Details

Pro/Con

Pro:

Supporters argue that Proposition J, the "Our Children, Our Families" measure ensures that the City and School District (SFUSD) plans, coordinates, and accounts for funding spent on children, youth and families to improve outcomes. While San Francisco has always prioritized our children, there is a need for better transparency and efficiency in the way we allocate our funding so we can address growing unmet needs and improve our outcomes.

A YES vote on this measure means: you want to amend the Charter to create an Our Children, Our Families Initiative to ensure that related funds are used effectively.

Con:

No official argument against Proposition J was submitted.

A NO vote on this measure means: you do not want to make these changes.

In Depth

Proposition J is a charter amendment that would create an Our Children, Our Families Initiative (OCOF Initiative), led by the Mayor and the Superintendent of the School District and staffed by employees of the City and School District, to ensure that funds for services for children, youth and their families through the Children and Youth Fund, the Public Education Enrichment Fund and the Student Success Fund, and other programs are used effectively. This group would evaluate expenditures from the Children and Youth Fund and the PEEF and would prepare an annual report for the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors, who must approve these expenditures as part of the budget process.

Proposition J would require the School District to report on PEEF funds and spending to the OCOF Initiative each year. Every five years, the School District must submit a proposal describing how it plans to use these funds. The City’s future contributions to the School District from the PEEF depend on their review and approval of the School District’s proposal. Money spent from the Student Success Fund cannot replace money that is included or partially included in the Children and Youth Baseline, the PEEF Baseline or other similar provisions. Proposition J would not change the minimum contributions by the City to the Children and Youth Fund, the PEEF or the Student Success Fund.

Source: Final Digest - Funding Programs Serving Children, Youth, and Families

Voter Resources

City and County of San Francisco Office of Elections