$15 Billion School Bond Proposition 13 Appears Headed For Defeat In California

California voters appear to have rejected Proposition 13, a $15 billion bond to improve aging school facilities around the state.

The Associated Press called the race Tuesday, with about 46 percent of votes in support. The measure needed a simple majority to pass. 

Proposition 13 has no connection to the property tax measure of the same name, passed over 40 years ago.

The Yes on 13 Campaign has effectively conceded defeat. 

“Based on current vote totals, it appears Proposition 13 will fall short of the required 50% threshold,” the campaign wrote in a tweet. “Nevertheless, safe and adequate facilities for California’s schoolchildren remain an urgent priority, and we recommit ourselves to meeting that challenge.”

The campaign had argued schools around the state needed improved emergency readiness. It also argued the removal of asbestos, lead paint and other hazardous materials are overdue. 

“I think a lot of it has to do with voter fatigue” with bonds and taxes, said David Wolfe, legislative director for Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, which opposed the measure. “They’ve had enough.”

Democratic politicians, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, rallied in support of the measure.

But according to Mark Baldassare, CEO of of the Public Policy Institute, Proposition 13 lacked support from key community voices.

“Voters like to hear from trusted sources. They didn’t always hear from their local school districts that this was the most important thing on the ballot,” he said.

He added that looming fears of a recession may have turned some voters off.

“There’s been growing concerns about the economy and I think that when it comes to bonds and spending money, especially in this large amount, concerns about the economy weigh heavily on voters,” he said.