Proposition 2: Authorizes Bonds for Public School and Community College Facilities. Legislative Statute.
Kindergarten Through Grade 12 Schools and Local Community College Public Education Facilities Modernization, Repair, and Safety Bond Act of 2024
Summary
Proposition 2 has been placed on the ballot by the California State Legislature. It authorizes $10 billion in state general obligation bonds for public school and community college facilities repair, upgrade, and construction. Specifically, $8.5 billion is provided for four types of facility projects for public schools: renovation of existing buildings, new construction, career technical education program facilities, and charter schools facilities. $1.5 billion is provided for community colleges and the funds may be used for a range of projects including constructing new facilities, facilities renovations, land purchases, and equipment. Under the measure, community colleges are required to prepare a plan listing their project priorities.
Some renovation funding is available for specific school projects including $115 million in funds to be used for reducing lead levels in water at public school sites. Extra renovation funding is available for school districts to build a new classroom or renovate an existing classroom that will be used for transitional kindergarten.
Proposition 2 increases the state’s share of new construction project costs from 50 percent to as much as 55 percent for some disadvanaged school districts. Proposition 2 also increases the state’s share of renovation project costs from 60 percent to as much as 65 percent for these school districts. Overall, the state would pay a higher share of project costs for school districts that have lower assessed property values and have a higher share of their students who are low income, English learners, or foster youth.
Proposition 2 allows school districts that are unable to raise at least $15 million from local bonds (up from $5 million) to apply for additional state funding. This amount would increase by inflation in future years.
Fiscal Impact
The estimated costs to repay the bond would be about $500 million each year (annually) over a 35 year period. Payments would be made from the state General Fund. The total cost of the bond would be about 10 percent more due to the interest that the state is required to pay when it borrows money. Local school districts could experience fluctuations in local costs with the availability of state bond funds though the effects are unclear.
What your vote means
A YES vote on this measure means: The state could borrow $10 billion to build new or renovate existing public school and community college facilities.
A NO vote on this measure means: The state could not borrow $10 billion to build new or renovate existing public school and community college facilities.
Official Voter Information
California Secretary of State, Text of Proposed Laws, Prop. 2 begins on page 70
California Secretary of State and State Attorney General, Voter Information Guide, Summary Analysis of Prop. 2
California Secretary of State, Quick Reference Guide Prop. 2
California Secretary of State, Official Voter Information Guide Prop. 2
California Legislative Analyst's Office, Proposition 2
California Secretary of State, Cal-Access Ballot Measure Committee Campaign contributions for Proposition 2
California Secretary of State, Cal-Access, Cal-Access Campaign Finance Activity Prop. 2
California Fair Political Practices Commission, November 2024 General Election Top Contributors Lists
Non-partisan Voter Information
CalMatters Prop. 2 in a Minute (video)
CalMatters (Spanish) video
Project for an Informed Electorate Sacramento State, Prop. 2 PIE Initiative Explainer (video)
Public Opinion Polls
Public Policy Institute of California Statewide Survey, Sept. 2024
Public Policy Institute of California Statewide Survey, Oct. 2024
Pro/Con Statements
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Proponents argue that Proposition 2 will address facilities that are sorely in need of repair and upgrades to meet modern health and safety standards. They believe that the measure will make schools safer, assist more students to receive job training, and increase access to affordable college education. Proponents point to the measure’s local control provisions which require that its funding only be used for projects approved by local school and community college districts, with input from the local community. Finally, supporters maintain that Proposition 2 Prop. 2 requires public disclosure of spending through financial audits as well as placing limits on administrative and bureaucratic costs. |
Opponents argue that Proposition 2 will increase the tax burden on citizens who are already highly overtaxed. They say that the proposition will cost taxpayers an estimated $18 billion when repaid with interest. Opponents claim that the state’s schools rank among the lowest in the country and that Proposition 2 will fund wasteful construction projects that benefit special interests while denying funds for direct instruction. |
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The IGS Library has not located a campaign in opposition of the ballot measure. |