Proposition 13, not to be confused with the infamous 1978 Prop 13 that capped property taxes, is the only statewide measure on the March 3 ballot. This proposition would create a $15 billion bond to build, repair and modernize schools, from kindergarten through public colleges and universities.
Many school districts, like West Contra Costa, say they do not receive adequate state funding to make repairs and fully modernize their buildings, leading to a “Band-Aid approach” of repairs atop repairs and deferred maintenance. Most of the money from the proposed bond — $9 billion — would go to K-12 schools, with priority given to addressing health and safety concerns, including earthquake risks and removing toxic mold and asbestos from aging classrooms and lead from drinking water. Of that, $5.8 billion would go to updating school facilities, followed by $2.8 billion for new construction and $500 million each for charter schools and facilities for technical education. Many organizations, unions and lawmakers have proclaimed support for the proposition, but others have raised concerns about the proposition as a whole, saying it could mean increased property taxes.
Today on AirTalk, we look at the pros and cons of the proposed bond. Do you have thoughts? Join the conversation by calling 866-893-5722
With files from the Associated Press
Guests:
Steve Glazer, Democratic state senator representing the 7th district, which includes Alameda County and the majority of Contra Costa County, he’s one of the authors of the bond; he tweets
Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, a taxpayer rights group