PD Approval: Yes on 2 and 4: Help for schools and the environment

On November 5, voters will decide on two bond measures critical to California’s future: $10 billion building or renovating public schools and community colleges (Proposal 2) and $10 billion to build resilience to climate change and protect the environment (Theorem 4).

Together, the bond measures would cost approximately $900 million a year to pay back. That’s certainly a significant amount, but it amounts to only about half a percent of the state’s annual general revenue. If both are passed, the state would still be below the historical average of about 4% of the general fund for debt service.

These bonds will not directly increase taxes, unlike local bonds that are paid back with property tax surcharges. The state pays off its bonds using existing revenue streams. Both bonds would be audited annually to ensure taxpayer money is not wasted.

Proposal 2 proposes general obligation bonds for repairs, upgrades, and construction of elementary schools (including charter schools), community colleges, and vocational technical education programs.

Nearly 40% of the state’s students attend schools that do not meet minimum safety standards, the nonpartisan said Public Policy Institute of California. A total of 108 schools in 60 districts have had to temporarily close in recent years due to water pollution, structural damage, gas leaks and similar problems.

Not surprisingly, students in less affluent communities suffer more. The state does not provide localities with a steady source of funding for school construction and renovation, unlike many other states. So localities rely heavily on property tax revenue.

Without the extra help from Prop. 2, school districts could delay repairs now but face much more expensive repairs later as schools continue to deteriorate and costs continue to rise. Meanwhile, education suffers in substandard environments.

This measure does not mean that the state will take over the financing for school construction. On the contrary, it creates a partnership with the local population. Local school districts should commit locally matching funds so that everyone has a part in the game. Many districts in Sonoma and Napa counties have already done this.

The Press Democrat recommends a yes vote on Prop 2.

Proposal 4 proposes bonds to finance a wide range of projects related to climate change and the environment, including initiatives passed by the Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom two years ago but withheld this year due to a shortage of income. Withholding these funds led to delays on 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 tackle water quality, combat floods and drought and extreme heat are among the major expenditures. Money could also finance park projects and protect the coast from rising sea levels. There is even $850 million for clean energy and $300 million for agriculture.

Taken together, these projects are a wise investment 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 lower-income communities least equipped to respond to a climate crisis.

The Press Democrat recommends a yes vote on Proposition 4.

You can send letters to the editor to [email protected].