November 6, 2024—EdSource staff writer John Fensterwald and higher education writer Michael Burke speak to Managing Attorney John Affeldt regarding the passage of California Proposition 2, a $10 billion bond that will fund community college projects and TK-12 modernization and new construction. Although the need for modernization funds is greatly needed across the state, Public Advocates has long argued that the system by which these funds are distributed to districts unfairly benefits higher-wealth communities at the expense of lower-wealth communities.
One of the system’s outspoken critics is the nonprofit public interest law firm Public Advocates. Its managing partner, John Affeldt, said Wednesday that in passing Proposition 2, “Voters recognized the reality that so many facilities need significant modernization. But I don’t think voters are also aware of and approving the underlying distribution of the bond funds that send so many more dollars to high-wealth districts instead of low-wealth districts.
“We’ll continue to be a voice to make sure the state creates a system that equitably treats all its students,” he said.
