An initiative petition drive aimed at calling a vote on a temporary citywide income tax to supplement lagging teacher pay has begun.

A coalition of education and political leaders, Save OKC Schools, has 90 days to gather enough signatures to put the proposal before Oklahoma City voters.

The proposal calls for a 0.50 percent income tax to raise about $50 million per year. Individuals and families living near or below the poverty line would be exempt.

Advocates need about 12,000 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot. They hope for a vote April 3.