On Nov. 5, voters will decide on two bond measures critical to California’s future: $10 billion to build or renovate public schools and community colleges (Prop. 2) and build climate resiliency. $10 billion (Proposition 4) to protect the built environment.
Including the bond measures, it would cost about $900 million a year to repay the debt. While this is certainly a significant amount, it is only about one-half of 1 percent of the state’s annual general fund revenue. If both pass, the state would still be spending less than its historical average of about 4% of its general fund money on debt service.
These bonds, unlike municipal bonds that redeem property tax levies, do not result in a direct tax increase. The state uses existing revenue sources to pay down the national debt. Both bonds will be audited annually to ensure taxpayers’ money is not wasted.
Proposition 2 proposes general obligation bonds for repairs, upgrades, and construction of K-12 schools (including charter schools), community colleges, and career technical education programs.
According to the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California, nearly 40% of students in the state attend schools that do not meet minimum safety standards. In recent years, a total of 108 schools in 60 districts have been forced to temporarily close due to problems such as water pollution, structural damage, and gas leaks.
Not surprisingly, students from less affluent communities suffer more. Unlike many states, the state does not provide localities with a steady source of funding for school construction or renovation, so localities must rely heavily on revenue from property taxes.
Without the additional aid provided by Proposition 2, districts may postpone repairs now and face much more expensive repairs in the future as schools age and costs continue to rise. I don’t know. Meanwhile, education suffers from substandard conditions.
This measure does not mean that the government will take over funding for school construction. Rather, we are building partnerships with the community. Local school districts will be required to contribute matching funds locally to ensure everyone can participate in the games. Many districts in Sonoma and Napa counties have already done so.
The Press Democrat recommends voting YES on Proposition 2.
Proposition 4 proposes bonds to fund a wide range of projects related to climate change and the environment, including efforts approved by the state Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom two years ago but put on hold this year due to a lack of revenue. I am doing it. Withholding these funds has caused delays for critical projects in Northern California, including wildfire prevention.
The bond would pay for a wide range of projects other than wildfire work. Projects addressing water quality, flood and drought mitigation, and extreme heat are among the big costs. The money would also fund park projects and work to protect coasts from rising sea levels. There’s $850 million for clean energy and $300 million for agriculture.
Cumulatively, these projects represent wise investments in mitigating the effects of climate change and protecting the environment from pollution and further degradation. The focus will be on communities most vulnerable to climate change and low-income communities least equipped to respond to the climate crisis.
The Press Democrat recommends voting YES on Proposition 4.
You can send letters to the editor to letters@pressdemocrat.com.
