What must happen for an increase in school operating taxes under Proposal A?

Under Proposal A, any increase in school operating taxes requires a 3/4 vote of both houses of the legislature. This requirement is designed to ensure that significant changes to funding mechanisms for public education are made with broad support. Proposal A was established in 1994 to reform the way schools are funded in Michigan, placing constraints on local property taxes and changing the funding structure to rely more on state funding, while also establishing a foundation allowance for each student.

The need for a supermajority vote reflects the importance of funding for education and the desire to prevent frequent or easily made changes that could destabilize school finances. This threshold helps to ensure that any significant tax increases are carefully considered and supported by a considerable majority, fostering fiscal responsibility and accountability in education funding.

The other options, which involve local citizen votes, school board decisions, or unilateral executive action, do not align with the stringent requirements stipulated by Proposal A. Instead, they reflect less formal mechanisms that could lead to more frequent or less stable changes than the structured legislative process designed by Proposal A.