Yesterday California voters passed the most significant
borrowing propositions ever placed on a state ballot. Both
Proposition 55 (with less than 60,000 votes) and Proposition 57
passed. Proposition 58 – the so-called balanced budget companion
measure to Proposition 57 – also passed. However, Proposition 56
failed. What do these results mean? Passage of Proposition 55
means there will be sufficient state matching funds to continue
the current school construction and modernization projects for
school districts which are eligible. The passage of Propositions
57 and 58, by such overwhelming numbers, strengthened the
Governors’ negotiating position with the Legislature. Although
there was no well-funded organized opposition to Propositions 57
and 58, the vote of landslide proportions, after both
propositions were at risk just four weeks ago, shows the
political strength and salesmanship skills of Governor
Schwarzenegger. For schools, passage of Propositions 57 and 58
mean the Governor’s budget and current year fu