States and Localities Embrace Construction Bonds

On Election Day, 2002, states, cities, and localities in nearly every state voted on propositions, amendments, bonds, and candidates that will affect the future of education funding across the country. The following are highlights from the facilities initiatives:

• Alaska passed Proposition C, a $237 million construction bond to benefit K-12 schools and the University of Alaska

• California passed Proposition 47, a $13.05 billion bond for school facilities projects

• Colorado voters passed construction bonds in 13 of 18 districts for a total of $816.5 million

• Cook County, IL voters rejected over a dozen school tax increases

• St. Paul, MN passed 4-year, $18 million per year levy

• Tennessee voters approved an amendment to the state constitution that provides for a lottery whose proceeds must pay for certain education programs; the state legislature is expected to establish the lottery

• Voters in the Houston Independent School District passed an $808.6 million construction bond

• All but three Virginia localities passed construction bonds

Prepared November 2002