Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) Poll Shows Continued Support for School Bonds

The widely-respected Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) released the results of its polling on California education issues on April 24, 2019, and they continue to demonstrate public support for a state school bond.

Specifically, PPIC’s polling indicates that, six in ten adults (62%) and likely voters (57%) say they would vote yes on a state bond measure to pay for school construction projects.  The PPIC’s polling results confirm the public’s majority support for a state school bond and tracks with polling CASH conducted in February.  The PPIC poll also shows that a majority of adults (60%) and likely voters (56%) would vote yes on a local bond, which also tracks with CASH’s polling.

The PPIC’s polling also indicated the level of public support for two key proposed ballot measures: creating a “split-roll” property tax system and a 55 % majority vote to pass local parcel taxes for local public schools.  Concerning the “split-roll” proposal, which directs some of the new tax revenue for K-12 schools, the PPIC polling indicated that, 56 % of adults and 54% of likely voters say they will vote yes.  Concerning the majority vote parcel tax threshold, the PPIC poll indicated that, 44 % of adults and 39% of likely voters say they would vote yes.

~ CASH Staff

U.S. Democrats seek up to $2 trillion to invest in aging infrastructure – Reuters

The CASH supported Californians for School Facilities (CSF) is making progress in urging greater federal investment in school facilities.  The following is from the April 11, 2019 Reuters article titled, U.S. Democrats seek up to $2 trillion to invest in aging infrastructure.

“LEESBURG, Va./WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Democratic leaders in Congress said on Thursday they would seek President Donald Trump’s support in coming weeks for legislation to invest up to $2 trillion to rebuild U.S. infrastructure, including roads, bridges and schools.

House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said at separate news conferences they would try to revive an effort that sputtered early in Trump’s presidency for major investments in aging public works.”

Click here to view the entire article online.

Assembly Education Committee Approves School Bond Bill

On Wednesday April 10, the Assembly Education Committee heard Assembly Bill 48 (O’Donnell) which would place statewide school bonds on the 2020 primary and 2022 general election ballots. While the size of the bond has been left open as the bill moves through the legislative process, a number of new programs have been included to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the School Facility Program (SFP).  CASH and CSBA provided the primary testimony in support of the bill.

Jeff Becker, from the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools and Vice-Chair of CASH, thanked Assemblyman O’Donnell for introducing the bill and involving stakeholders. Mr. Becker testified that a 2020 bond is needed because applications for Proposition 51 have exceeded available bond authority, and that CASH appreciates the program changes including disaster assistance, replacement of very old buildings, clean drinking water, help for small districts and health facilities as part of joint-use to improve access to mental health services. Mr. Becker concluded with the offer to continue to work with the author and stakeholders on financial hardship reforms and other issues as the bill moves forward. With 73 letters of support submitted, AB 48 was supported by the major education statewide organizations, many school districts and county offices of education, and community organizations. The Committee approved the bill on a 5-0 vote. The CASH Board and staff would like to thank Mr. Becker for representing CASH on this important matter. The bill will be heard next in the Assembly Higher Education Committee.