SAN DIEGO — Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday visited San Diego to raise awareness and support for Proposition 13, the school facilities bond – and only statewide measure -- on Tuesday’s ballot.
Newsom was joined by Assemblymember Todd Gloria (D- San Diego), education leaders as part of a get-out-the-vote tour.
Proposition 13 on the March ballot is creating some confusion among voters. It has the same number as Proposition 13 of 1978, but has nothing to do with the well-known constitutional amendment on property taxes. It instead is a request to authorize bonds to pay for school infrastructure.
Prop 13 would authorize $15 billion in school improvement bonds for public preschools, Kindergarten-12th grade schools, community colleges and universities.
Supporters say it is needed to modernize classrooms. They say the word “tax” is not even in the text of the proposition.
Opponents of the bill bring up an important lesson when it comes to bonds and borrowing. Anything that is taken out must be repaid with interest. Opponents say a yes vote means the state takes out $15 billion to use on schools, but it could cost nearly twice that with interest.
The governor is expected to visit Dana Middle School Friday morning.