The California Reading and Literacy Improvement and Public Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act of 2006 would provide $600 million for public library construction and repair. This is the largest library construction bond measure in state history. The act enjoyed bi-partisan support and easily passed in both the Senate and Assembly and was signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in September 2005. It will appear on the June 6, 2006 ballot.

On March 25, 2005, actor Rob Reiner officially launched a new education initiative which is designed to insure that all California children receive pre-school. Under the "Pre-school for All" initiative, the voluntary program would offer a full year of preschool to all California 4-year-olds, provided mostly by local school districts. The initiative would boost the top tax rate on individuals earning more than $400,000 annually or married couples earning $800,000. This new tax rate would be in effect until 2010-11, when the measure would take full effect. The proposal qualified for the June primary ballot in January 2006. It has already generated significant controversy with strongly held views on both sides. Proponents believe that the initiative will ensure that all of California's children, including low income children, have access to quality preschool. However, the proposal has been criticized by those who question the effectiveness of collecting funds by raising taxes on the wealthy as well as other details of the plan.