Yes on Proposition 2
School facilities bond
What is it?
Prop 2 is a bond to provide $10 billion to fund the construction and modernization of public schools in California. The proposition includes $8.5 billion for K-12 schools and $1.5 billion for community colleges. It is structured to provide two types of grants: new construction grants and modernization grants. Taken together, both grants prioritize health and safety improvements across earthquake preparedness, lead removal, and replacement of old buildings. For schools to participate in the funding program, they must submit a five-year facilities master plan to the state. Certain schools with greater need will be prioritized.
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Fiscal impacts
The estimated cost to an individual San Francisco taxpayer would be $18 per year, or roughly $39 per household per year, depending on various tax brackets for SF residents. That's based on a total cost of $500 million per year for the next 35 years, paid for by the nearly 27 million Californians over 18.
Though this bond will not raise taxes, it will be paid out of the California general fund, which is taxpayer-funded.
- See "Fiscal Effects" section of the Legislative Analyst's Office report (PDF)
- See the Legislative Analyst's Office Overview of State Bond Debt
Why is this on the ballot?
Article XVI of the California Constitution mandates that debt exceeding $300,000 (including state bonds) be submitted to the public for a vote. Bonds must first be approved by a two-thirds majority of both houses of the state Legislature, and then by a simple majority of the voters.
- Authors: Al Muratsuchi, Mike Fong, Steven Glazer, Josh Newman, Lori Wilson
- Co-authors: Most of the Democrats in the Assembly
- Placed on ballot by: Vote of both houses of the Legislature
- View vote details on leginfo
Why vote Yes?
California's public school infrastructure is in urgent need of improvement.
According to a 2020 Report from the Public Policy Institute of California:
- 38% of students attend schools that do not meet minimum facility standards.
- 25% of students attend schools with damaged floors, walls, or ceilings.
- 14% of students attend schools with malfunctioning electrical systems.
- 15% of students attend schools with extreme problems like gas leaks, power failures, and structural damage.
Proposition 2 will address these immediate dangers by giving preferential funding to the schools with the highest needs, while investing in construction and modernization projects across California's 977 school districts.
Vote YES on Prop 2 to address urgent needs in school districts across California.