2024 California Proposition 2 Explained

Proposition 2
Authorizing Bonds for Public Schools and Community College Facilities
Authorize $10 billion of bonds to build and repair facilities at K-12 public schools and community colleges. Requires annual audits. Increased state costs of about $500 million annually for 35 years to repay the bond.
Location:California
Country:California
Yes:5,752,647
No:4,333,475
Total:10,086,122
Mapcaption:YesNo
Notes:Source: California Secretary of State[1]

Proposition 2, titled Authorizing Bonds for Public Schools and Community College Facilities, was a California ballot proposition and legislative statutes that passed in the 2024 general election on November 5, 2024.[2] The proposition authorized the issuance of $10 billion in state general obligation bonds for repair, upgrade, and construction of facilities at K–12 public schools and community colleges; this also includes charter schools throughout the state of California.[3]

The proposition also allowed for the authorization of the following:

Results

Associated Press called a "yes" vote on Proposition 2. As of November 7, 2024, AP reported that reported that 56.9% voting yes and 43.1% voting no, with 54% of votes counted.

Supporters

The official support statement of the proposition argues that "many schools and community colleges are outdated and need basic health and safety repairs and upgrades to prepare students for college and careers and to retain and attract quality teachers. Prop. 2 meets those needs and requires strict taxpayer accountability so funds are spent as promised with local control."[4]

Opponents

The official oppositional statement of the proposition argues that "Proposition 2 will increase our bond obligations by $10 billion, which will cost taxpayers an estimated $18 billion when repaid with interest. A bond works like a government credit card—paying off that credit card requires the government to spend more of your tax dollars! Vote NO on Prop. 2."[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: California General Election November 5, 2024: State Ballot Measures - Statewide Results: Proposition 2 . November 7, 2024 .
  2. News: Jones . Carolyn . 2024-08-21 . California Proposition 2: School facilities bond . 2024-11-07 . CalMatters . en-US.
  3. Web site: Weber . Shirley . August 29, 2024 . 2024 California Proposition 2 . Office of the Secretary of State of California.
  4. Web site: California General Election November 5, 2024 Official Voter Information Guide . California Secretary of State . 15 September 2024.
  5. Web site: California General Election November 5, 2024 Official Voter Information Guide . California Secretary of State . 15 September 2024.