On Nov. 5, voters will decide two bond measures vital to California’s future — $10 billion to build or renovate public schools and community colleges (Proposition 2) and $10 billion to build resilience against climate change and protect the environment (Proposition 4).
Together, the bond measures would cost about $900 million a year to repay. That is a significant sum, to be sure, but it is equal to only about one-half of one percent of the state’s annual general fund revenue. If both pass, the state would still be below its historic average of about 4% of the general fund dedicated to debt service.
These bonds will not directly increase taxes, unlike local bonds that are repaid with property tax surcharges. The state pays off its bonds using existing revenue streams. Both bonds would be subject to annual audits to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not wasted.
Prop. 2 proposes general obligation bonds for repairs, upgrades and construction of K-12 schools (including charter schools), community colleges and career technical education programs.
Close to 40% of the state’s students attend schools that fall short of minimum safety standards, according to the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California. A total of 108 schools in 60 districts had to close temporarily in recent years because of water contamination, structural damage, gas leaks and similar problems.
Not surprisingly, students in less-affluent communities suffer more. The state does not provide a steady source of funding to localities for school construction and renovations, unlike many states, so localities must rely heavily on revenue drawn from property taxes.
Without the additional aid provided by Prop. 2, school districts might put off repairs now only to face far more expensive ones down the road as schools continue to deteriorate and costs continue to increase. Meanwhile, education suffers in substandard environments.
This measure is not the state taking over funding for school construction. Rather, it is creating a partnership with localities. Local school districts would need to commit matching funds locally so that everyone has a stake in the game. Many districts in Sonoma and Napa counties have already done so.
The Press Democrat recommends a yes vote on Prop 2.
Prop. 4 proposes bonds to fund a broad range of projects related to climate change and the environment, including initiatives approved two years ago by the Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom but withheld this year because of a revenue shortfall. Withholding those funds led to delays to important projects in Northern California, not least wildfire prevention.
The bonds would pay for a wide range of projects other than wildfire work. Projects to address water quality, flood and drought mitigation and extreme heat are among the big expenses. Money also would fund parks projects and work to protect the coast from rising sea levels. There is even $850 million for clean energy and $300 million for agriculture.
Cumulatively, those projects are a wise investment in easing the impacts of climate change and protecting the environment from pollution and further degradation. The focus will be on communities most vulnerable to climate change and lower-income communities least equipped to respond to a climate crisis.
The Press Democrat recommends a yes vote on Prop. 4.
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