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Congress

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below congressional districts on your ballot.

  • Builds Power
    Builds Progress

  • Representative Jared Huffman is from Independence, MO, and currently resides in San Rafael, CA. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2013. According to campaign materials, he is running for re-election to continue to advocate for his district and advance initiatives that preserve the environment and address climate change.

    In Congress, Rep. Huffman has represented his district well in their time of need. Following the fires in Sonoma and Mendocino counties, he successfully worked to secure federal disaster relief funds. Furthermore, he has led the fight for environmental preservations and restoration projects, such as defending the dam removal project to reduce greenhouse gases on Klamath River, and securing permanent protections for the Mendocino Coast’s Stornetta Public Lands National Monument. Rep. Huffman currently sits on the Natural Resources and Transportation Committee, the Infrastructure Committee, and serves as Chair on the Water, Oceans and Wildlife Subcommittee. Prior to Rep. Huffman’s election to Congress, he served in the California State Assembly where he implemented landmark water reforms and advanced other progressive pieces of legislation focused on the environment and incentivizing corporate social responsibility.

    Rep. Huffman is being challenged by Rachel Moniz (D), Dale Mensing (R), Charles "Wally" Coppock (AI), and Melissa Bradley (G). Rep. Huffman is the best progressive choice because of his track record of solving issues critical to the district and his commitment to enacting legislation to address climate change.

    According to our analysis, Rep. Huffman is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05


    Representative Jared Huffman is from Independence, MO, and currently resides in San Rafael, CA. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2013. According to campaign materials, he is running for re-election to continue to advocate for his district and advance initiatives that preserve the environment and address climate change.

    In Congress, Rep. Huffman has represented his district well in their time of need. Following the fires in Sonoma and Mendocino counties, he successfully worked to secure federal disaster relief funds. Furthermore, he has led the fight for environmental preservations and restoration projects, such as defending the dam removal project to reduce greenhouse gases on Klamath River, and securing permanent protections for the Mendocino Coast’s Stornetta Public Lands National Monument. Rep. Huffman currently sits on the Natural Resources and Transportation Committee, the Infrastructure Committee, and serves as Chair on the Water, Oceans and Wildlife Subcommittee. Prior to Rep. Huffman’s election to Congress, he served in the California State Assembly where he implemented landmark water reforms and advanced other progressive pieces of legislation focused on the environment and incentivizing corporate social responsibility.

    Rep. Huffman is being challenged by Rachel Moniz (D), Dale Mensing (R), Charles "Wally" Coppock (AI), and Melissa Bradley (G). Rep. Huffman is the best progressive choice because of his track record of solving issues critical to the district and his commitment to enacting legislation to address climate change.

    According to our analysis, Rep. Huffman is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

  • Builds Power
    Builds Representation
  • Brynne Kennedy and moved to Roseville, CA in 2019. According to campaign materials she is running for Congressional District 4 because she is disillusioned with partisan gridlock in Washington and government inefficiency.

    Brynne Kennedy is the former CEO of Topia, an HR software company she founded to innovate the way companies relocate their employees. As CEO, she offered her employees paid parental leave as well as stock ownership. Through Topia, Kennedy also founded Mobility4All, a philanthropy initiative that relocates refugees and those fleeing poverty. She supports policies that ensure equal pay for women, the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, and the protection and expansion of access to reproductive health services.

    Kennedy is running against Tom McClintock (R) who is the incumbent and has held the position since 2009, as well as Julianne Benzel (R), Jamie Byers (R), Jacob Thomas (R), and Robert Lawton (NPP). According to recent election results, this is a very challenging race for Democrats to win. Though we are concerned that Kennedy remains markedly silent on immigration, her strong support for equality and women’s rights would move the district forward on those progressive issues and make her a strong choice in this race.

    According to our analysis, Brynne Kennedy is the strongest choice for effective leadership in office.
     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Brynne Kennedy

    Brynne Kennedy and moved to Roseville, CA in 2019. According to campaign materials she is running for Congressional District 4 because she is disillusioned with partisan gridlock in Washington and government inefficiency.

    Brynne Kennedy and moved to Roseville, CA in 2019. According to campaign materials she is running for Congressional District 4 because she is disillusioned with partisan gridlock in Washington and government inefficiency.

    Brynne Kennedy is the former CEO of Topia, an HR software company she founded to innovate the way companies relocate their employees. As CEO, she offered her employees paid parental leave as well as stock ownership. Through Topia, Kennedy also founded Mobility4All, a philanthropy initiative that relocates refugees and those fleeing poverty. She supports policies that ensure equal pay for women, the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, and the protection and expansion of access to reproductive health services.

    Kennedy is running against Tom McClintock (R) who is the incumbent and has held the position since 2009, as well as Julianne Benzel (R), Jamie Byers (R), Jacob Thomas (R), and Robert Lawton (NPP). According to recent election results, this is a very challenging race for Democrats to win. Though we are concerned that Kennedy remains markedly silent on immigration, her strong support for equality and women’s rights would move the district forward on those progressive issues and make her a strong choice in this race.

    According to our analysis, Brynne Kennedy is the strongest choice for effective leadership in office.
     

    Brynne Kennedy

    Brynne Kennedy and moved to Roseville, CA in 2019. According to campaign materials she is running for Congressional District 4 because she is disillusioned with partisan gridlock in Washington and government inefficiency.

State Assembly

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Assembly races on your ballot.

  • Builds Power
    Builds Progress
  • Representative Jim Wood moved to Northern California in 1987. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2014. According to campaign materials he is running for re-election because he wants to continue to improve environmental protections, economic development, and health care.

    In the State Assembly, Rep. Wood authored several key bills to address healthcare, the environment and immigration. His “Pay to Delay” bill prevents drug companies from delaying production of generic drugs. He voted to end transporting oil to the state from oil from offshore drilling facilities, to provide information to residents potentially impacted by pollution in their language, and to protect personal data from being used to deport Californians. He currently chairs the Assembly Health Committee. Prior to his election to Assembly District 2, he served two terms as mayor of Healdsburg.

    Rep. Wood is being challenged by Charlotte Svolos (R). He has scored a lifetime 82 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Rep. Wood has shown some willingness to advocate for the needs of constituents and face down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. That said, his fierce opposition to Medicare-for-All, and his role in undermining the single-payer health care movement in California are of grave concern.

    According to our analysis, Rep. Wood is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office, particularly given the positions of the only other candidate on the ballot.
     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Jim Wood

    Representative Jim Wood moved to Northern California in 1987. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2014. According to campaign materials he is running for re-election because he wants to continue to improve environmental protections, economic development, and health care.

    In the State Assembly, Rep. Wood authored several key bills to address healthcare, the environment and immigration. His “Pay to Delay” bill prevents drug companies from delaying production of generic drugs. He voted to end transporting oil to the state from oil from offshore drilling facilities, to provide information to residents potentially impacted by pollution in their language, and to protect personal data from being used to deport Californians. He currently chairs the Assembly Health Committee. Prior to his election to Assembly District 2, he served two terms as mayor of Healdsburg.

    Rep. Wood is being challenged by Charlotte Svolos (R). He has scored a lifetime 82 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Rep. Wood has shown some willingness to advocate for the needs of constituents and face down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. That said, his fierce opposition to Medicare-for-All, and his role in undermining the single-payer health care movement in California are of grave concern.

    According to our analysis, Rep. Wood is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office, particularly given the positions of the only other candidate on the ballot.
     

    Representative Jim Wood moved to Northern California in 1987. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2014. According to campaign materials he is running for re-election because he wants to continue to improve environmental protections, economic development, and health care.

    In the State Assembly, Rep. Wood authored several key bills to address healthcare, the environment and immigration. His “Pay to Delay” bill prevents drug companies from delaying production of generic drugs. He voted to end transporting oil to the state from oil from offshore drilling facilities, to provide information to residents potentially impacted by pollution in their language, and to protect personal data from being used to deport Californians. He currently chairs the Assembly Health Committee. Prior to his election to Assembly District 2, he served two terms as mayor of Healdsburg.

    Rep. Wood is being challenged by Charlotte Svolos (R). He has scored a lifetime 82 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Rep. Wood has shown some willingness to advocate for the needs of constituents and face down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. That said, his fierce opposition to Medicare-for-All, and his role in undermining the single-payer health care movement in California are of grave concern.

    According to our analysis, Rep. Wood is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office, particularly given the positions of the only other candidate on the ballot.
     

    Jim Wood

    Representative Jim Wood moved to Northern California in 1987. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2014. According to campaign materials he is running for re-election because he wants to continue to improve environmental protections, economic development, and health care.

    In the State Assembly, Rep. Wood authored several key bills to address healthcare, the environment and immigration. His “Pay to Delay” bill prevents drug companies from delaying production of generic drugs. He voted to end transporting oil to the state from oil from offshore drilling facilities, to provide information to residents potentially impacted by pollution in their language, and to protect personal data from being used to deport Californians. He currently chairs the Assembly Health Committee. Prior to his election to Assembly District 2, he served two terms as mayor of Healdsburg.

    Rep. Wood is being challenged by Charlotte Svolos (R). He has scored a lifetime 82 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Rep. Wood has shown some willingness to advocate for the needs of constituents and face down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. That said, his fierce opposition to Medicare-for-All, and his role in undermining the single-payer health care movement in California are of grave concern.

    According to our analysis, Rep. Wood is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office, particularly given the positions of the only other candidate on the ballot.
     

  • Builds Power
    Builds Progress
    Builds Representation
  • Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry grew up in Yolo County and lives in Winters, CA. She is the incumbent, having served as Assemblymember for the 4th District in the State Assembly since 2016. According to campaign materials, she is running for re-election to continue to be a fierce advocate for Democratic values and for the small cities and towns that make up District 4.

    During her tenure, Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry has worked to serve the interests of rural residents, farmers and agricultural workers, and local government. She has authored successful legislation to protect small family farm homesteads, improve the quality of recycling programs by local governments, and to improve voter registration in counties throughout the state. Through her efforts, she helped establish the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to protect environmental lands across five counties. In the Assembly, Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry currently chairs the Local Government Committee and the Select Committee on Wine. She also currently serves as Chair of the Yolo Housing Commission, Vice-Chair of the Yolo County Water Association, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Sacramento Council of Governments. Prior to her election to the State Assembly, Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry served as the first woman Mayor of Winters.

    Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry is being challenged by Sophia Racke (D) and Matthew Nelson (R). Based on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records, Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry has a mixed record advocating for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. In 2019, she scored a 90 out of 100 on Courage Score. That said, in 2017, she received a 79, and in 2018, she received a 61. According to our analysis, Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office, although we will continue to closely watch her voting record.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Cecilia Aguiar-Curry

    Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry grew up in Yolo County and lives in Winters, CA. She is the incumbent, having served as Assemblymember for the 4th District in the State Assembly since 2016. According to campaign materials, she is running for re-election to continue to be a fierce advocate for Democratic values and for the small cities and towns that make up District 4.

    During her tenure, Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry has worked to serve the interests of rural residents, farmers and agricultural workers, and local government. She has authored successful legislation to protect small family farm homesteads, improve the quality of recycling programs by local governments, and to improve voter registration in counties throughout the state. Through her efforts, she helped establish the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to protect environmental lands across five counties. In the Assembly, Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry currently chairs the Local Government Committee and the Select Committee on Wine. She also currently serves as Chair of the Yolo Housing Commission, Vice-Chair of the Yolo County Water Association, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Sacramento Council of Governments. Prior to her election to the State Assembly, Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry served as the first woman Mayor of Winters.

    Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry is being challenged by Sophia Racke (D) and Matthew Nelson (R). Based on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records, Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry has a mixed record advocating for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. In 2019, she scored a 90 out of 100 on Courage Score. That said, in 2017, she received a 79, and in 2018, she received a 61. According to our analysis, Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office, although we will continue to closely watch her voting record.

    Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry grew up in Yolo County and lives in Winters, CA. She is the incumbent, having served as Assemblymember for the 4th District in the State Assembly since 2016. According to campaign materials, she is running for re-election to continue to be a fierce advocate for Democratic values and for the small cities and towns that make up District 4.

    During her tenure, Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry has worked to serve the interests of rural residents, farmers and agricultural workers, and local government. She has authored successful legislation to protect small family farm homesteads, improve the quality of recycling programs by local governments, and to improve voter registration in counties throughout the state. Through her efforts, she helped establish the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to protect environmental lands across five counties. In the Assembly, Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry currently chairs the Local Government Committee and the Select Committee on Wine. She also currently serves as Chair of the Yolo Housing Commission, Vice-Chair of the Yolo County Water Association, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Sacramento Council of Governments. Prior to her election to the State Assembly, Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry served as the first woman Mayor of Winters.

    Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry is being challenged by Sophia Racke (D) and Matthew Nelson (R). Based on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records, Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry has a mixed record advocating for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. In 2019, she scored a 90 out of 100 on Courage Score. That said, in 2017, she received a 79, and in 2018, she received a 61. According to our analysis, Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office, although we will continue to closely watch her voting record.

    Cecilia Aguiar-Curry

    Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry grew up in Yolo County and lives in Winters, CA. She is the incumbent, having served as Assemblymember for the 4th District in the State Assembly since 2016. According to campaign materials, she is running for re-election to continue to be a fierce advocate for Democratic values and for the small cities and towns that make up District 4.

    During her tenure, Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry has worked to serve the interests of rural residents, farmers and agricultural workers, and local government. She has authored successful legislation to protect small family farm homesteads, improve the quality of recycling programs by local governments, and to improve voter registration in counties throughout the state. Through her efforts, she helped establish the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to protect environmental lands across five counties. In the Assembly, Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry currently chairs the Local Government Committee and the Select Committee on Wine. She also currently serves as Chair of the Yolo Housing Commission, Vice-Chair of the Yolo County Water Association, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Sacramento Council of Governments. Prior to her election to the State Assembly, Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry served as the first woman Mayor of Winters.

    Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry is being challenged by Sophia Racke (D) and Matthew Nelson (R). Based on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records, Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry has a mixed record advocating for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. In 2019, she scored a 90 out of 100 on Courage Score. That said, in 2017, she received a 79, and in 2018, she received a 61. According to our analysis, Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office, although we will continue to closely watch her voting record.

  • Builds Power
    Builds Progress
    Builds Representation
  • Paul Akinjo (D) is a pastor, Alameda County support technician, and has been a Lathrop City Councilman for seven years. He is the only Democrat in this race. While we do not have sufficient information about this candidate to confirm his viability, we recommend supporting Akinjo as a more progressive alternative to the current incumbent, Heath Flora (R).

    Akinjo is an immigrant who came to the U.S. from Nigeria in the 1980s and has lived in Lathrop since 2001. During Akinjo’s time on the Lathrop City Council, the city has gone from no financial reserves to $10 million in savings as its seen growth in housing and business. Akinjo has advocated in Sacramento on homelessness, housing, natural disasters, water and transportation. If elected, Akinjo would focus on transportation funding, mental healthcare, and housing. 

    Assemblymember Heath Flora has represented District 12 in the State Assembly since 2016. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Flora has shown that he does NOT advocate for the needs of constituents or face down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. He scored a 2 out of 100 on this year’s Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. In summary, Assemblymember Flora is not serving his constituents with progressive solutions.

    According to our analysis, Paul Akinjo has the potential to provide stronger progressive leadership in office. 
     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Paul Akinjo

    Paul Akinjo (D) is a pastor, Alameda County support technician, and has been a Lathrop City Councilman for seven years. He is the only Democrat in this race. While we do not have sufficient information about this candidate to confirm his viability, we recommend supporting Akinjo as a more progressive alternative to the current incumbent, Heath Flora (R).

    Akinjo is an immigrant who came to the U.S. from Nigeria in the 1980s and has lived in Lathrop since 2001. During Akinjo’s time on the Lathrop City Council, the city has gone from no financial reserves to $10 million in savings as its seen growth in housing and business. Akinjo has advocated in Sacramento on homelessness, housing, natural disasters, water and transportation. If elected, Akinjo would focus on transportation funding, mental healthcare, and housing. 

    Assemblymember Heath Flora has represented District 12 in the State Assembly since 2016. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Flora has shown that he does NOT advocate for the needs of constituents or face down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. He scored a 2 out of 100 on this year’s Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. In summary, Assemblymember Flora is not serving his constituents with progressive solutions.

    According to our analysis, Paul Akinjo has the potential to provide stronger progressive leadership in office. 
     

    Paul Akinjo (D) is a pastor, Alameda County support technician, and has been a Lathrop City Councilman for seven years. He is the only Democrat in this race. While we do not have sufficient information about this candidate to confirm his viability, we recommend supporting Akinjo as a more progressive alternative to the current incumbent, Heath Flora (R).

    Akinjo is an immigrant who came to the U.S. from Nigeria in the 1980s and has lived in Lathrop since 2001. During Akinjo’s time on the Lathrop City Council, the city has gone from no financial reserves to $10 million in savings as its seen growth in housing and business. Akinjo has advocated in Sacramento on homelessness, housing, natural disasters, water and transportation. If elected, Akinjo would focus on transportation funding, mental healthcare, and housing. 

    Assemblymember Heath Flora has represented District 12 in the State Assembly since 2016. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Flora has shown that he does NOT advocate for the needs of constituents or face down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. He scored a 2 out of 100 on this year’s Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. In summary, Assemblymember Flora is not serving his constituents with progressive solutions.

    According to our analysis, Paul Akinjo has the potential to provide stronger progressive leadership in office. 
     

    Paul Akinjo

    Paul Akinjo (D) is a pastor, Alameda County support technician, and has been a Lathrop City Councilman for seven years. He is the only Democrat in this race. While we do not have sufficient information about this candidate to confirm his viability, we recommend supporting Akinjo as a more progressive alternative to the current incumbent, Heath Flora (R).

    Akinjo is an immigrant who came to the U.S. from Nigeria in the 1980s and has lived in Lathrop since 2001. During Akinjo’s time on the Lathrop City Council, the city has gone from no financial reserves to $10 million in savings as its seen growth in housing and business. Akinjo has advocated in Sacramento on homelessness, housing, natural disasters, water and transportation. If elected, Akinjo would focus on transportation funding, mental healthcare, and housing. 

    Assemblymember Heath Flora has represented District 12 in the State Assembly since 2016. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Flora has shown that he does NOT advocate for the needs of constituents or face down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. He scored a 2 out of 100 on this year’s Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. In summary, Assemblymember Flora is not serving his constituents with progressive solutions.

    According to our analysis, Paul Akinjo has the potential to provide stronger progressive leadership in office. 
     

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Senate races on your ballot.

  • Builds Power
  • Senator Bill Dodd (D) is the incumbent, having served as Senator for the district since 2013. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Senator Dodd has shown that he does NOT advocate for the needs of constituents or face down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. Dodd scored a shocking 57 out of 100 on this year’s Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records.
     
    Senator Dodd is running unopposed. Courage California encourages you to write in a candidate of your choice to show support for progressives in this district. Keep reading for progressive recommendations in other key races and on ballot measures where your vote can make a critical difference.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Bill Dodd

    Senator Bill Dodd (D) is the incumbent, having served as Senator for the district since 2013. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Senator Dodd has shown that he does NOT advocate for the needs of constituents or face down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians.

    Senator Bill Dodd (D) is the incumbent, having served as Senator for the district since 2013. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Senator Dodd has shown that he does NOT advocate for the needs of constituents or face down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. Dodd scored a shocking 57 out of 100 on this year’s Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records.
     
    Senator Dodd is running unopposed. Courage California encourages you to write in a candidate of your choice to show support for progressives in this district. Keep reading for progressive recommendations in other key races and on ballot measures where your vote can make a critical difference.

    Bill Dodd

    Senator Bill Dodd (D) is the incumbent, having served as Senator for the district since 2013. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Senator Dodd has shown that he does NOT advocate for the needs of constituents or face down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians.

  • VOTE YES

    Vote YES On Prop 13, School and College Facilities Bond

  • This proposition would provide $9 billion for desperately needed renovations to public preschools and grade schools throughout the state, and $6 billion for construction to community colleges, the Cal State system, and the UC system. This will allow the state of California to use tax revenue to pay for improvements that local communities cannot afford. 

    The funding would come from bonds the state would pay back over 35 years, totaling an estimated $26 billion, which includes $15 billion in principal and $11 billion in interest. This investment is well worth the costs. It takes money, after all, to ensure that students -- especially those in districts that can’t afford major capital improvement projects -- do not have to learn in dangerous environments. 

    The vast majority of Democrats in the state legislature support it, as does Gov. Newsom, and the only major opposition is a group called the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. This is the group famous for destroying California’s school funding system in 1978 through another proposition, ironically one that was also dubbed Prop 13. The group spends most of its time lobbying to reduce tax rates. It has never shown any interest in supporting California’s children, at least if that means wealthy individuals or giant corporations would pay their fair share in taxes.

    Critics of the measure have pointed out that the ballot measure’s language includes a provision that frees new multi-family developments around subway stops and bus stations from school impact fees. This provision will make it easier for developers to build apartment buildings within a half-mile of public transit but could also drive up the cost of new housing and take funds away from school districts across the state. Despite this provision, the measure is still supported by most education groups in the state, who believe the overall funding allocation to schools outweighs the impact of reduced funding to school districts located near transit hubs. 2020’s Prop 13 is worth the investment since it means children will soon be able to attend school in buildings that are retrofitted to withstand earthquakes and no longer have lead in their water. 

    We strongly recommend a YES vote on Prop 13.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    This proposition would provide $9 billion for desperately needed renovations to public preschools and grade schools throughout the state, and $6 billion for construction to community colleges, the Cal State system, and the UC system. This will allow the state of California to use tax revenue to pay for improvements that local communities cannot afford. 

    The funding would come from bonds the state would pay back over 35 years, totaling an estimated $26 billion, which includes $15 billion in principal and $11 billion in interest. This investment is well worth the costs. It takes money, after all, to ensure that students -- especially those in districts that can’t afford major capital improvement projects -- do not have to learn in dangerous environments. 

    The vast majority of Democrats in the state legislature support it, as does Gov. Newsom, and the only major opposition is a group called the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. This is the group famous for destroying California’s school funding system in 1978 through another proposition, ironically one that was also dubbed Prop 13. The group spends most of its time lobbying to reduce tax rates. It has never shown any interest in supporting California’s children, at least if that means wealthy individuals or giant corporations would pay their fair share in taxes.

    Critics of the measure have pointed out that the ballot measure’s language includes a provision that frees new multi-family developments around subway stops and bus stations from school impact fees. This provision will make it easier for developers to build apartment buildings within a half-mile of public transit but could also drive up the cost of new housing and take funds away from school districts across the state. Despite this provision, the measure is still supported by most education groups in the state, who believe the overall funding allocation to schools outweighs the impact of reduced funding to school districts located near transit hubs. 2020’s Prop 13 is worth the investment since it means children will soon be able to attend school in buildings that are retrofitted to withstand earthquakes and no longer have lead in their water. 

    We strongly recommend a YES vote on Prop 13.

    This proposition would provide $9 billion for desperately needed renovations to public preschools and grade schools throughout the state, and $6 billion for construction to community colleges, the Cal State system, and the UC system. This will allow the state of California to use tax revenue to pay for improvements that local communities cannot afford. 

    The funding would come from bonds the state would pay back over 35 years, totaling an estimated $26 billion, which includes $15 billion in principal and $11 billion in interest. This investment is well worth the costs. It takes money, after all, to ensure that students -- especially those in districts that can’t afford major capital improvement projects -- do not have to learn in dangerous environments. 

    The vast majority of Democrats in the state legislature support it, as does Gov. Newsom, and the only major opposition is a group called the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. This is the group famous for destroying California’s school funding system in 1978 through another proposition, ironically one that was also dubbed Prop 13. The group spends most of its time lobbying to reduce tax rates. It has never shown any interest in supporting California’s children, at least if that means wealthy individuals or giant corporations would pay their fair share in taxes.

    Critics of the measure have pointed out that the ballot measure’s language includes a provision that frees new multi-family developments around subway stops and bus stations from school impact fees. This provision will make it easier for developers to build apartment buildings within a half-mile of public transit but could also drive up the cost of new housing and take funds away from school districts across the state. Despite this provision, the measure is still supported by most education groups in the state, who believe the overall funding allocation to schools outweighs the impact of reduced funding to school districts located near transit hubs. 2020’s Prop 13 is worth the investment since it means children will soon be able to attend school in buildings that are retrofitted to withstand earthquakes and no longer have lead in their water. 

    We strongly recommend a YES vote on Prop 13.

    CA Prop 13

    This proposition would provide $9 billion for desperately needed renovations to public preschools and grade schools throughout the state, and $6 billion for construction to community colleges, the Cal State system, and the UC system.