PD Confirmation: Yes in point 2 and 4: Help for schools and the environment

On November 5, voters will decide on two bond amounts crucial to California’s future – $10 billion build or renovate public schools and community colleges (Proposition 2) and $10 billion building resilience to climate change and protecting the environment (Statement 4).

Together, bond funds will cost approx $900 million a year to be repaid. While this is a significant sum, it is only equal to about one-half of one percent of the state’s annual general fund revenues. If both proposals pass, the state will still be below its historical average of about 4% of its general fund dedicated to debt service.

These bonds will not directly increase taxes, unlike local bonds, which are repaid with property tax subsidies. The state repays its bonds using existing revenue sources. Both bonds will be subject to annual audits to ensure taxpayers’ money is not wasted.

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

According to a nonpartisan study, nearly 40% of students in the state attend schools that do not meet minimum safety standards California Public Policy Institute. In recent years, a total of 108 schools in 60 districts had to temporarily close due to water contamination, structural damage, gas leaks and similar problems.

Not surprisingly, students from less affluent communities suffer more. Unlike many states, the state does not provide local sources of funding for school construction and renovation, so local governments must rely heavily on property tax revenues.

Without the additional aid provided by Proposition 2, school districts could defer repairs now, only to face much more expensive repairs in the future as schools continue to deteriorate and costs continue to rise. Meanwhile, education suffers in substandard environments.

This measure does not involve the state taking over funds for school construction. Rather, it is about creating partnerships with local communities. Local school districts would need to allocate adequate funding at the local level to ensure that everyone has a stake in the game. Many districts in Sonoma and Napa counties have already done so.

Press Democrat recommends voting “yes” on Proposition 2.

Proposal 4 proposes bonds to finance a wide range of climate change and environmental projects, including initiatives approved two years ago by the Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom but put on hold this year due to lack of income. The withholding of these funds has led to delays in important projects in Northern California, especially wildfire prevention.

The bonds will cover a wide range of projects other than forest fire work. Big expenses include projects on water quality, flood and drought mitigation, and extreme heat. The money will also fund park projects and efforts to protect the coast from rising sea levels. There is even $850 million for clean energy and $300 million for agriculture.

Collectively, these projects represent 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 prepared to respond to the climate crisis.

Press Democrat recommends voting “yes” on Proposition 4.

Letters to the editor can be sent to: [email protected].