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SPECIAL REPORT / ELECTION PREVIEW : DECISION ’94 / A Voter’s Guide to State and Local Elections : Propositions : PROP. 1C

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What it is: This measure would authorize the sale of $900 million in general obligation bonds to help pay for new construction, renovation and seismic strengthening of buildings on California’s public college campuses. The legislative analyst’s office reports that the 138 campuses in the system suffer from maintenance backlogs that have left some older buildings in need of seismic upgrades. If the measure passes, funding for specific projects still would require approval by the Legislature and governor.

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Arguments for: A key element in the recovery of California’s economy is a strong higher education system. In recent years the public college and university system has been staggering under severe budget cutbacks. This measure would help reinvigorate the system by providing a source of funds to repair and modernize dilapidated structures. The construction and renovation work would create jobs and help the state’s struggling economy.

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Arguments against: The current recession has forced public colleges and universities throughout the state to cut back and economize. The passage of Proposition 1-C could spark a college building boom that in turn could encourage these institutions to hire more staff to fill the new facilities, leading to higher taxes. This measure would create more debt for the state and fail to provide funds for what is most needed--remedial education.

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Who supports it: Gov. Pete Wilson, Dr. Jonas Salk, the California Faculty Assn., California Library Assn., California State University, California State Employees Assn., California Teachers Assn., University of California, California State Student Assn. and the Construction Industry Legislative Council.

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Who opposes it: Libertarian Party of California and of Los Angeles County.

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