Bond up for vote

By Suzanne Johnson, On-Line Forty-Niner

Tuesay, October 6, 1998

 

The California State University Board of Trustees has endorsed the K-University Public Education Bond Act, which will appear as Proposition 1A on the November ballot.

If the measure passes, $2.5 billion of the $9.2 billion bond will be allotted to facilities projects at CSU, UC and California community colleges. An estimated $832 million will go to the California State University system over the next four years.

According to Ken Swisher of the Chancellor's Office, Cal State Long Beach is slated to receive $62.4 million over the next four years. $15.1 million, which has already been approved by the trustees and the legislature for 1998-99, will fund renovations of the Fine Arts Buildings.

In addition, $1.4 million will be used to purchase equipment for the Fine Arts Buildings, $4 million will go toward fire and safety upgrades, $13.5 million for telecommunications infrastructure, and $28.4 million will fund the construction of a new science building. Each project will be approved by the trustees, then the legislature on a year-to-year basis.

The bond will fund three major CSU needs: structural, health and safety upgrades; renovations of existing facilities, including technology upgrades and disability compliance measures; and the creation of additional spaces to accommodate more students and to adapt to curricular changes.

"This bond is absolutely essential to maintaining and improving the quality of education in California," said CSU Chancellor Charles Reed. "The governor and legislators of this state should be commended for their continuing commitment to education. Now, we have to make sure California voters realize how critical this bond is to their and their children's future, and work hard to see that it is passed in November."

Opponents of Prop 1A claim that it will add $750 million of new spending to the state's general fund annually for the next 20 years. They favor pay-as-you-go financing and cost containment measures.

According to Yes on 1A for California Schools, Proposition 1A is an investment in the future that will not raise taxes. Another beneficial feature of the bond is that no funds may be used for administration or purposes other than those outlined in the measure.

The California State Student Association has also officially endorsed Proposition 1A and is encouraging students to actively support the school bond initiative.