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Proposition 81 is a bond measure that was placed on the ballot by the State Legislature.
The way it is now
Usually, local governments pay for the cost of operating and building local libraries. Sometimes, state funds are used as well. For example, in the year 2000, voters approved $350 million in bonds for library building projects. That money was used for 45 projects. Another 60 projects applied but have not been funded.
What Prop 81 would do
Allow the state to sell $600 million in bonds for building, renovating or expanding public libraries to serve more Californians. This money could not be spent on books and materials or on ongoing library operating costs. To get some of this state bond money, a local government would have to contribute 35% of the project’s costs.
Effect on government spending
New state spending of about $1.2 billion to pay off $600 million in bonds and $570 million in interest over thirty years. This would cost the state about $40 million per year. Local governments would also spend about $320 million of their own funds.
 Arguments For Prop 81
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 Arguments Against Prop 82
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• Libraries provide critical community services such as literacy programs, free access to computers and the Internet, and safe places for children to do homework.
• We need to continue investing in our libraries – building new libraries and renovating old ones – to keep up with the state’s growth.
Website:
www.yesforlibraries.com
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• Paying for libraries with borrowed bond money just passes the costs on to our children.
• The Governor and Legislature should make budget cuts to free up enough money to pay for library projects without having to borrow more money.
Website:
www.protecttaxpayers.com
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These arguments are the opinions of those who support or oppose Prop 81.
For more information about Prop 81
Smart Voter
Official Voter Information Guide
Prop 81 Campaign contribution information |
| Prop 82 Tax for Public Pre-School |
Proposition 82 is an “initiative,” which means that voter signatures were gathered to place it on the ballot.
The way it is now
About 62% of California children attend some kind of group preschool or childcare program before going to kindergarten. About half are in public programs such as Head Start or state-funded preschool or childcare. There is a lot of variation in what preschool programs provide, how much they focus on school readiness and teacher training.
What Prop 82 would do
Change the State Constitution to offer all four-year old children in California the right to one year of free preschool starting in 2010. The state would run the program through County Offices of Education, using existing and new preschools. Families would have a choice of free preschools, paying for private preschool or no preschool.
Public preschool would be funded by an additional 1.7% income tax on individuals earning over $400,000 and married couples earning over $800,000. The state would set standards for what is taught in preschool programs. Teachers would have to meet higher educational requirements and would be paid more than current preschool teachers.
Effect on government spending
The new income tax is expected to raise about $2 billion per year. This money could only be spent on the public preschool program. In the first 10 years, some of the money would be used to build preschool buildings and train teachers.
Arguments For Prop 82 |
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Arguments Against Prop 82 |
• Prop 82 will give all children access to high quality preschool and ensure that there are well-trained teachers at all preschools.
• Studies show that investing in preschool increases students’ success at reading and learning, and makes them less likely to drop out of school.
Website:
www.YesOn82.com
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• California has serious budget problems.
This program would lock in free preschool for families that can already afford it.
• To improve student learning, we should invest in K-12 schools instead of building a whole new preschool bureaucracy.
Website:
www.NoProp82.org
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These arguments are the opinions of those who support or oppose Prop 82.
For more information about Prop 82
Smart Voter
Official Voter Information Guide
Institute for Governmental Studies
Ed Source
Prop 82 Campaign contribution information
California Budget Project Analysis of Prop 82 (a 9-page PDF)
Next Ten State Budget Challenge |
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