With the California vote finalized on Dec. 16, and the San Luis Obispo county vote finalized on Dec. 2, it’s time to look at some of the important propositions and measures that passed on the Nov. 8 election.
Measure M passed with 57.6 percent of the vote, 2.6 percent above the 55 percent required threshold, according to the county clerk recorder’s office. This will allow the district to issue 95 million dollars worth of bonds for PRJUSD schools. Revenues from the bonds are allowed for the construction and improvement of district facilities, according to a public notice regarding the measure signed by SLO county counsel Rita Neal.“This is an investment like none other…an investment in our kids is always the right thing to do,” Atascadero citizen David Baldwin said.
Proposition 64 passed with 57 percent of the vote, which legalizes marijuana for commercial use, according to the official California statement of the vote. The proposition will legalize recreational marijuana use for adults 21 and older, as well as permit the growing and possessing of marijuana in California with restrictions, according to the California voter’s guide. The proposition is also expected to generate about 1 billion dollars in tax revenue for California, much of which would be used for youth programs, environmental protection and law enforcement, according to the California voter’s guide.
Proposition 55 passed with 63 percent of the vote, continuing the Prop. 30 taxes to fund education from 2018 to 2030, according to the statement of the vote. The proposition is expected to generate 4 to 9 billion dollars annually for towards K-12 schools, community college, and healthcare for low-income families, with the emphasis on education, from 2019 to 2030, according to the California voter’s guide. “[Proposition 55] will provide stable funding for our district..I expect positive results from [it].” PRPE executive director Jim Lynett said.
Proposition 51 passed with 55 percent of the vote, according to the statement of the vote, authorizing a 9 billion dollar General Obligation bond for new facilities, and modernization of facilities for K-12 public school, community college, charter school and vocational education facilities. The bond will cost the state 17.6 billion dollars (9 billion for principal and 8.6 for interest) over the course of 35 years.
For the official statement of the vote for California, click here. For the official election results for SLO county, click here.
