LOS ANGELES - With a good percentage of the vote counted, Proposition 47 supporters declared victory.
Prop. 47, the Kindergarten-University Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2002, authorizes a $13 billion state school bond that will help fix deteriorating schools and build new ones.
"This is a great step forward for students, teachers and our public schools," said Wayne Johnson, president of the California Teachers Association. "Better facilities will help improve student learning.
"Passing this bond measure will help local communities reduce overcrowding and start building the classrooms and schools our kids deserve."
Supporters pointed out additional benefits.
"Proposition 47 is a great victory for students and new home buyers and taxpayers because it builds new classrooms while requiring strict accountability" said Bob Rivinius, CEO of the California Building Industry Association.
Taxpayers and business supported Prop. 47.
"A quality education is essential to prepare the next generation to compete in a modern workforce," said Bill Hauck, president of the California Business Roundtable and co-chair of the Yes-on-47 campaign. "Now, thanks to the voters and Proposition 47 we can move schools forward and provide the quality education California's students deserve."
The Prop. 47 campaign was led by a diverse coalition, including the California Teachers Association, Californians for Higher Education, California Building Industry Association, California State PTA, California Business Roundtable, Ed Voice, Association of California School Administrators, California Federation of Teachers, League of Women Voters of California, Coalition for Adequate School Housing, California Chamber of Commerce, California School Boards Association, Taxpayers for Accountability and Better Schools, Congress of California Seniors and the California Taxpayers' Association.