On November 5, voters will decide on two bond measures vital to California’s future: $10 billion Building or renovating public schools and community colleges (Proposition 2) and $10 billion building resilience against climate change and protecting the environment (Proposition 4).

Together, bond measures approximate cost $900 million will be repaid annually. That’s a significant sum, of course, but it’s only one-half of one percent of the state’s annual general fund revenue. If both pass, the state would still be below its historical average of about 4 percent of the general fund devoted to debt service.

These bonds will not directly raise taxes, unlike local bonds that are paid back through property tax surcharges. The government pays off its bonds using existing revenue streams. Both bonds will be subject to annual audits to ensure taxpayer dollars are not wasted.

Recommendation 2 Proposes general obligation bonds for repair, improvement and construction of K-12 schools (including private schools), public colleges and career technical education programs.

Nearly 40 percent of the state’s students attend schools that fail to meet minimum safety standards, according to nonpartisan data Public Policy Institute of California. In recent years, a total of 108 schools in 60 districts had to close temporarily due to water pollution, structural damage, gas leaks and similar problems.

It’s no surprise that students in less affluent communities suffer more. Unlike many states, the state does not provide local districts with a regular source of funding for school construction and renovations; therefore, local residents are forced to rely heavily on revenues from property taxes.

Without the additional assistance provided by Proposition 2, school districts may be forced to delay repairs and face even more expensive repairs down the road as schools continue to deteriorate and costs continue to rise. Meanwhile, education in substandard environments suffers.

This measure does not mean that the state will undertake the financing of school construction. Rather, it partners with local people. Local school districts will need to allocate matching funds locally so that everyone can get a piece of the game. Many districts in Sonoma and Napa counties have already done so.

The Press Democrat recommends voting yes on Proposition 2.

Recommendation 4 It is proposing bonds to finance a wide range of projects related to climate change and the environment, including initiatives approved by the Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom two years ago but stalled this year due to revenue gap. The withholding of these funds has led to delays in important projects in Northern California, especially wildfire prevention.

The bonds will pay for a wide range of projects other than wildfire efforts. Projects addressing water quality, flood and drought mitigation, and extreme heat are among the major expenditures. The money will also fund park projects and work to protect the coast from rising sea levels. In fact, there is 850 million dollars for clean energy and 300 million dollars for agriculture.

Cumulatively, 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 low-income communities least equipped to respond to the climate crisis.

The Press Democrat recommends voting yes on Proposition 4.

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