Renew Pre-K 4 SA PAC raises over $600,000 for early vote

The Renew Pre-K 4 SA political action committee has raised more than $600,000 since its formation in August. This funding supports the effort to place a 20-year renewal of the San Antonio pre-kindergarten program on the November ballot.

Finance reports filed by the PAC show it received $371,514.18 in contributions from August 24 to September 24. It collected an additional $127,791.98 from September 25 to October 24. These figures total $499,306.16 in received funds and do not include future pledges.

The largest donors to the campaign include Charles Butt, who gave $100,000, and H-E-B and USAA, which each contributed $75,000. Carla and John Brozovich and the Children’s Funding Accelerator each provided $50,000.

San Antonio City Council voted 7-2 on August 13 to move the reauthorization vote up from its original 2028 date. The council extended the authorization period to 20 years. Elaine Mendoza, a tri-chair of the PAC, stated that the early timing allows the city to strike while the iron is hot during a contentious midterm election.

Mendoza noted that the program originated from a 2012 voter approval of a one-eighth-cent sales tax for education. Voters reauthorized the initiative in 2020, with 73% support. The current authorization expires in 2029.

Jon Taylor, chair of the Department of Political Science and Geography at The University of Texas at San Antonio, said PACs are rarely formed for local elections. He explained that the group aims to gain buy-in from the business community. Taylor pointed out that while kindergarten readiness data is strong, critics question the 20-year commitment and the lack of a strategic plan.

Taylor raised concerns that voters may view the tax negatively after recent tax increases by the city and county. He also noted that some council members argue the ballot measure was rushed. If the measure is not passed by June 2029, the program will end.

Mendoza described the program as an investment in the future workforce. She said it allows parents to return to work while children receive early education. She emphasized that the 20-year timeline provides stability for educators and allows for long-term structural planning.