California GOP Initiative Committee voted to endorse; delegates are considering now
The California Republican Party is considering endorsing Proposition 2, a bond initiative authorizing the state to borrow $10 billion to fund repairs and upgrades to California public schools.
The California Legislature already weighed in and passed legislation to put the measure on the ballot… even as California has a nearly $80 billion budget deficit, and taxpayer fatigue over the thought of additional taxes.
Public school enrollment in California has declined by 500,000 students, and is slated to lose 1 million students by 2025. “Proposition 2 commits California to pay an estimated $18 billion, including interest, for school buildings that may not even be necessary,” the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association warns.
Last month the California Legislature voted to pass AB 247, which authorized the $10 billion bond measure for the November ballot as Proposition 2. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 247 into law July 3, 2024.
Some Republicans voted to pass AB 247 to place it on the ballot.
Assembly Republican Leader Leader Gallagher and Assembly Floor Leader Heath Flora voted to pass the bill. Senate Republican Leader Brian Jones did not.
In the California Assembly, only Assemblyman Bill Essayli (R-Riverside) voted “no” on AB 247. Some Republicans abstained from the vote or did not cast a vote at all.
In the California Senate, besides Republican Minority Leader Brian Jones, Republican Senators Brian Dahle and Kelly Seyarto voted no. Others abstained or did not cast a vote.
So, what is going on behind the scenes to get Republicans to support a bond initiative for more school spending and increased property taxes?
Everything is economic.
According to a Republican Party activist, the way this unfolded is the California Teachers Association approached legislative leadership with the bond initiative proposal, and pledged funding as long as the CAGOP approved.
The Globe contacted Leader Gallagher’s office for comment on this bill and initiative. We did not hear back but will update the article when we do.
Another Capitol source said the California Building Industry Association is the primary bill sponsor.
But is the motive funding? Is this a quid pro quo – Legislative leaders receive contributions for their support via independent expenditure committees, which they in turn use for their caucuses to help win elections?
According to the bill author Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), the “School Facility Program” is a partnership between the state, school districts, and developers for “much needed” school funding.
It’s no surprise that the California Teachers Association supports AB 247/Prop. 2 saying, “This important bond represents a significant commitment to K-12 schools by providing $8.5 billion to provide both new construction as well as modernization of California’s schools, including addressing lead in water, extreme heat mitigation, transitional kindergarten facility needs and career technical education facilities. The bond also provides $1.5 billion for essential community college facilities. California’s schools and community colleges need major upgrades to ensure that students are learning in adequate conditions. With previous school bond funds nearly depleted, our schools and community colleges are in need of a new school facilities bond.”
