Update: On March 2 a majority of California voters approved Propisition 55, the statewide school bond measure. Yes: 50.6 percent with 2,810,724 voters in favor of Prop. 55. No: 49.4 percent with 2,753,870 voters against the measure.

California voters face a series of initiatives on the March 2 ballot and one specifically impacts the San Francisco State University community -- Prop. 55, the Kindergarten-University Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2004.

If the measure is passed by a majority of statewide voters, the $12.3 billion bond measure would fund a range of K-12 and higher education projects throughout California.

The largest chunk of the general obligation bond -- $10 billion -- would be dedicated to kindergarten through high school facilities. Another $2.3 billion would fund higher education with the largest piece going toward community colleges at $920 million. The California State University system and the University of California system would each receive $690 million. SFSU would receive nearly $4 million.

Public education in California relies on voter-approved state education bond measures to fund most of its facility needs. If approved, the bond will be repaid from state revenues during the next 30 years and would not increase or create new taxes.

The last statewide K-12 and higher education proposition was in 2002 when a majority of voters approved a $13.2 billion bond measure. SFSU received $14.8 million from that bond. About $14.5 million was spent on a telecommunications infrastructure upgrade. The money allowed for the installation of fiber-optic, copper wires lines to the campus and as a result access to high-bandwidth multimedia resources, including online video and audio streaming. Connections to the Internet and systemwide computer networks are now faster and more reliable. In addition, about $225,000 was spent on seismic upgrades to Hensill Hall, furnishing classrooms and laboratories with new desks, tables and equipment.

If approved, Prop. 55 would fund this project:

J. Paul Leonard Library
As part of a major project to renovate and expand the J. Paul Leonard Library -- the heart of the University -- these funds will be used to purchase new desks, tables, computers and more. As students, faculty, staff and residents of surrounding neighborhoods rely on the Library to provide a welcoming, comfortable and quiet space to read and study, this project will create more spacious areas to do so. In addition, the new computer equipment will allow students and others to conduct research and find an expanded selection of materials more efficiently and effectively. An invaluable resource for the campus community and beyond, the renovated Library will allow students and others to gain research and technology skills that are critical in California’s contemporary workplace. SFSU already received an additional $85,035,000 for the Library renovation/expansion project from Gov. Gray Davis' stimulus package, which was intended to spur economic growth and job creation. Cost: $3,975,000.

For more details on Prop. 55, visit the Secretary of State Web site www.ss.ca.gov. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the voter's guide. Or visit the Legislative Analyst’s Office Web site www.lao.ca.gov/initiatives/qryPropositions_by_election_3-2004.asp. To find out more about the measure and its impact on the California State University system, visit the CSU Web site www.calstate.edu.

Faculty members are encouraged to conduct voter registration in their classes. Faculty may contact the California Faculty Association (CFA) for instructions and voter registration forms. For more information, call the CFA at ext. 8-6232, e-mail cfasf@igc.org or visit the office located in room 331 of the HSS building. Student groups also will conduct voter registration around campus. The last day to register to vote is Tuesday, February 17.

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Last modified July 27, 2004 by University Communications