On Nov. 5, voters will decide two bond measures vital to California’s future — $10 billion building or renovating public schools and community colleges (Proposition 2) and $10 billion to build resilience against climate change and protect the environment (Proposition 4).

Together, the bond measures would cost approx $900 million a year to repay. That’s a significant amount, to be sure, but it’s only equal to about one-half of one percent of the state’s annual general fund revenue. If both pass, the state would still be below its historical average of about 4 percent of the general fund dedicated to debt service.

These bonds will not directly raise taxes, unlike local bonds that are repaid with property tax surcharges. The state pays its bonds using existing revenue streams. Both bonds would be subject to annual audits to ensure taxpayer dollars aren’t being wasted.

Prop. 2 proposes general bonds for repairs, upgrades, and construction of K-12 schools (including charter schools), community colleges, and career technical education programs.

Nearly 40 percent of the state’s students attend schools that fail to meet minimum safety standards, according to nonpartisans. Public Policy Institute of California. A total of 108 schools in 60 districts have been forced to close temporarily in recent years due to water contamination, structural damage, gas leaks and similar issues.

Not surprisingly, students from less affluent communities suffer more. The state does not provide a steady source of funding to localities for school construction and renovation, unlike many states, so localities must rely heavily on property tax revenue.

Without the additional help provided by Prop. 2, school districts could delay repairs now only to face much more expensive ones down the road as schools continue to deteriorate and costs continue to rise. Meanwhile, education suffers in substandard environments.

This measure is not a state takeover of school construction funding. Rather, a partnership is created with localities. Local school districts should commit to equity funds at the local level so that everyone has a stake in the game. Many districts in Sonoma and Napa counties have already done so.

The Democratic Press recommends an affirmative vote for proposition 2.

Prop. 4 proposes bonds to finance a wide range of climate change and environmental projects, including initiatives approved two years ago by the Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom but held back this year due to a lack of income. The withholding of those funds has led to delays in important projects in Northern California, not least wildfire prevention.

The bonds would pay for a wide range of projects other than fire work. Among the big expenses are projects to address water quality, flood and drought mitigation, and extreme heat. The money would also fund park projects and work to protect the coast from rising sea levels. There is even $850 million for clean energy and $300 million for agriculture.

Cumulatively, these projects represent a wise investment in mitigating the impact of climate change and protecting the environment from pollution and further degradation. The focus will be on communities most vulnerable to climate change and lower-income communities least equipped to respond to a climate crisis.

The Democratic Press recommends an affirmative vote for Prop. 4.

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