A black and white mid-rise apartment building is pictured at three-quarters view, revealing a pink side wall with a medical cross symbol on it. A small blue shape and a field of red dollar symbols are collaged to the left of the building.

Proposition 2

Should California issue $10 billion in bonds to help build or upgrade educational facilities?

Proposition 2 would raise $8.5 billion for the state’s elementary, secondary and charter schools — and $1.5 billion for community colleges — to build more facilities or fix old ones. And while the state typically matches half the cost of a district’s new construction projects and 60% of its renovation projects, under this plan it would provide a higher match for lower-resourced school districts. The state would also give schools extra funding to reduce lead levels in water and provide the appropriate facilities for transitional kindergarten as the state expands this grade level.

Yes Argument

This money is badly needed to fix California’s many aging school facilities and to ensure a safer environment for learning. Increasing threats from flooding, heat and fires heighten the need for climate-resilient improvements, including air filters, air conditioning upgrades and shade structures. The bond would also make the distribution of funds more equitable.  

No Argument

Taxpayers will have to pay back the $10 billion plus another $8 billion interest over a 35-year period. It’s irresponsible to borrow billions of dollars to pay for more school buildings when enrollment in the state’s K–12 and community colleges is declining.

Fundraising
Campaign finance data comes from the California Secretary of State’s office or the Federal Election Commission.

Updated at 5:00 PM PT on Sep 30, 2024
Source: California Secretary of State
In Support
$6.6mTotal
California Teachers Association
$1.5m
Coalition for Adequate School Housing Issues Committee
$1.4m
Members Voice of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California
$250.0k
California State Council of Laborers
$150.0k
California Federation of Teachers
$149.9k
In Opposition
$0Total

Key Supporters

This list represents notable organizations and individuals who have taken a position on the ballot measure or candidate, or who are funding campaigns in support or opposition. This list is not exhaustive, and may be updated.

In Support

  • Association of California School Administrators 
  • California Chamber of Commerce 
  • California Teachers Association 
  • Coalition for Adequate School Housing
  • Community College League of California

In Opposition

  • Bill Essayli, state Assembly member
  • Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
  • Reform California 

Related Coverage

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A black and white mid-rise apartment building is pictured at three-quarters view, revealing a pink side wall with a medical cross symbol on it. A small blue shape is collaged to the left of the building.

Prop 3: Same-Sex Marriage

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Prop 4: Climate Bond

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Prop 5: Housing Votes

Should California reduce the vote threshold needed to pass certain local bonds for affordable housing and public infrastructure projects?

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Should California ban involuntary servitude in prisons and jails? 

A black and white mid-rise apartment building is pictured at three-quarters view, revealing a pink side wall with a medical cross symbol on it. A small blue shape is collaged to the left of the building.

Prop 32: Minimum Wage

Should all California employees earn at least $18 per hour by Jan. 1, 2026?

A black and white mid-rise apartment building is pictured at three-quarters view, revealing a pink side wall with a medical cross symbol on it. A small blue shape is collaged to the left of the building.

Prop 33: Rent Control

Should California remove limits on the ability of cities to impose rent control policies capping annual rent increases?

A black and white mid-rise apartment building is pictured at three-quarters view, revealing a pink side wall with a medical cross symbol on it. A small blue shape is collaged to the left of the building.

Prop 34: Prescription Drug Spending

Should California restrict how certain health care providers can spend revenue from prescription drug sales?

A black and white mid-rise apartment building is pictured at three-quarters view, revealing a pink side wall with a medical cross symbol on it. A small blue shape is collaged to the left of the building.

Prop 35: Medi-Cal Funding

Should California make permanent an existing tax on health insurance companies and restrict how those funds can be used?

A black and white mid-rise apartment building is pictured at three-quarters view, revealing a pink side wall with a medical cross symbol on it. A small blue shape is collaged to the left of the building.

Prop 36: Criminal Penalties

Should California roll back past reforms and make it easier to charge people with felony crimes and send them to jail or prison if they repeatedly shoplift, or possess some drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine?