Support for California's Proposition 2, a $10 billion school construction bond, is declining as voters learn about its costly restrictions on labor and minority participation, with current backing slipping below 55%. (Shutterstock)
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Support for California’s Proposition 2, a $10 billion school construction bond, is weakening as voters become aware of its provisions limiting construction labor and increasing costs, according to a BizFed news release.
A recent poll by the Central Valley Business Federation reveals that backing for Proposition 2 has dropped to just below 55%. The proposition needs to gain 50% plus one vote to pass.
Related Story: Should California Community Colleges Offer Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing? ...

Prop. 2, which aims to fund repairs and upgrades for K-12 schools and community colleges, has faced criticism for including a Project Labor Agreement that restricts bidding to unionized contractors.
Critics argue that this provision benefits labor unions, which contribute significantly to California’s Democratic campaigns, while excluding a substantial portion of the construction workforce.
Related Story: A College Degree While Still in High School? More Valley Students Are Doing It
Measure Could Cause Discrimination Towards Black, Latino Workers
The Probolsky Research poll highlights that 49% of voters are less likely to support Prop. 2 upon learning that the measure’s PLA provisions could discriminate against minority construction workers and inflate costs by 13-15%.
These restrictions could exclude many Black and Latino construction firms, which are predominantly non-union. The restrictions also could potentially drive up construction costs, resulting in fewer bids and higher expenses for taxpayers.

Historical trends suggest that as election day approaches, undecided voters often lean toward rejecting controversial measures.
Prop. 1, which proposed a $6.4 billion bond for new treatment beds and housing, saw support plummet from 68% to 50% in the final weeks before the March election. The measure ultimately passed by a narrow margin.
Related Story: Nelson Mandela Monument Unveiled in Fresno State Peace Garden
The August 2024 Probolsky Research poll shows growing public skepticism about the fairness of tax dollar spending, even on popular projects like school construction.
With Prop. 2 facing increasing opposition due to its controversial labor restrictions and cost implications, proponents may struggle to maintain the measure’s fragile lead as November approaches.
RELATED TOPICS:
Bakersfield Man Who Made Bomb Found Near Community Pool Pleads Guilty
12 hours ago
Fresno Police Arrest Two and Seize 15 Firearms in Gang-Related Investigation
14 hours ago
The Populist vs. the Billionaire: Bannon, Musk and the Battle Within MAGA
14 hours ago
Study Tells CA Legislators to Declare War on Red Tape. Will They Do It?
15 hours ago
Visalia Men Arrested for Homicide After Deadly Attack at Apartment Complex
15 hours ago
Visalia Head-On Crash Kills One, Leaves One Injured
16 hours ago
Washington Post Columnist Quits After Her Opinion Piece Criticizing Owner Is Rejected
16 hours ago
Fresno Man Used Popular Game ‘Among Us’ to Exploit Minor Pled Guilty
11 hours ago
Categories

Fresno Man Used Popular Game ‘Among Us’ to Exploit Minor Pled Guilty

Ontario Slaps 25% Tax Increase on Electricity Exports to US in Response to Trump’s Trade War

Bakersfield Man Who Made Bomb Found Near Community Pool Pleads Guilty

Fresno Police Arrest Two and Seize 15 Firearms in Gang-Related Investigation
