SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) -- South Bay teachers took to the streets Saturday, knocking on doors and handing out flyers to encourage voters to support Proposition 3, a measure they said would help protect funding for public schools. Teachers from across the South Bay gathered in San Jose before headin g into nearby neighborhoods as part of a statewide campaign supporting the measure. Photo: KRON4 News. Jay Mason, a music teacher at Monroe Middle School, said he is supporting Prop. 3 because of his commitment to his students. “I am fighting for our students," Mason said. "Our students deserve the best public education they can get in California." Luis Velasquez, an Edenvale Elementary School teacher and basketball coach, said he is concerned about the portion of school budgets dedicated to teachers. “Some things that are becoming popular it is how the piece of the budget for teachers is getting smaller,” Velasquez said. Prop. 3 will appear on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot. The measure would make permanent the higher state income-tax rates on high-income earners that voters approved in 2012. Those rates are currently scheduled to expire in 2031. Supporters say keeping the tax rates in place would help maintain funding for schools and other state programs. However, not all of the revenue generated by Prop. 3 would go directly to public schools. According to the state voter guide, the measure would also provide funding for health care, budget reserves and other state programs. Of the education funding, 89% would go to K-12 schools and 11% would go to community colleges. Local school boards would determine how the education funding is spent, and the measure prohibits using that money for administrative costs. The state estimates Prop. 3 would maintain between $5 billion and $15 billion in annual tax revenue. Velasquez said his work with students extends beyond the classroom. “I’m also a basketball coach, so I love interacting with them after school," Velasquez said. "We do recycling. For them, it’s a good opportunity to know that they can use glass, cans, and cartons to be able to raise money for field trips." Mason said music also plays an important role in students’ education. “Schools do a pretty good job teaching people how to go about thinking and how to problem solve, but sometimes we miss the mark with how to teach people how to feel, and music is that thing that bridges that divide. So, for me that’s why I’m a music teacher, it's because I care about kids and I want them to have that experience,” Mason said. Opponents of Prop. 3 argue California already has some of the highest taxes and costs of living in the country. They say Sacramento should address government spending before making the tax permanent. Saturday’s canvassing effort is part of a statewide campaign by teachers and supporters who plan to continue talking with voters about Prop. 3 ahead of the November election. ...read more read less