Support Proposition 55--Kindergarten-University Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2004.
This $12.3 billion bond measure is the second phase of a school construction and repair plan to meet expanding state needs. The first part passed overwhelmingly as Proposition 47 in 2002. This measure includes $10 billion for K-12 school facilities, with about half for new construction and a quarter each for modernization and critically overcrowded schools. There is also $2.3 billion for higher education (community colleges and the CSU and UC systems) that has been hard hit by the state budget crisis.
The state treasurer confirms that in these hard economic times, it is important to continue our long-term investment in education facilities. Prop. 55 will provide state matching funds for locally approved school bonds. It will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs and stimulate the local economy, while holding to strict accountability standards. California's total school population is projected to increase by one million in the next decade; higher education expects 700,000 additional students. Prop. 55 will provide our kids the safe, clean learning environment essential to improving student achievement.
Support Proposition 56 for real budget reform that holds our legislators accountable.
This measure is designed to end the legislative gridlock that has prevented the state from dealing responsibly with the challenges of passing a budget. It holds legislators accountable by requiring them to pass the budget on time or face real consequences. They would have to stay in session and work only on the budget, and would forfeit both their salary and expenses until the job was done. Voters could learn how legislators voted on the budget from an easy-to-use Web site, and the Voter Information Guide (ballot pamphlet) would contain a summary of how the state's money is spent.
This constitutional amendment would end partisan gridlock by reducing the vote required to pass the state budget and related bills, including tax measures, from two-thirds to 55 percent. Only two other states routinely require a two-thirds vote to pass a budget. This high threshold has given a handful of California legislators the ability to demand concessions, such as spending on projects in their districts or tax breaks for special interests, to get their support for a budget. Under Proposition 56, the state would build up a "rainy day" reserve fund when revenues are greater than needed to fund existing services, and use the fund to maintain service levels in bad times. Late, irresponsible budgets hurt all the people of California. Proposition 56 will bring real reform of the budget process now.
YES ON PROPOSITION 55