Prop 4 explained: Borrowing money to fund environmental and climate-related projects in California
Proposition 4 asks California voters to allow the state to borrow $10 billion in bonds for water, wildfire prevention, and other environmental projects. It would require yearly audits of the money. The funds would help clean up and protect water supplies, help with wildfire prevention and response, and provide for projects that try to protect beaches, forests and mountains.
This is expected to cost taxpayers another $400 million a year for 40 years to repay the bond.
Who supports it?
Clean Water Action, CalFire Firefighters, National Wildlife Federation and the Nature Conservancy are among those promoting the measure.
"California faces increasing threats from wildfires, water pollution, and extreme heat," the groups wrote in a joint statement. "Investments today can prevent future costs and damage from a changing climate and more frequent natural disasters."
How much money has the supportive campaign raised?
According to state campaign finance data as of Sept. 5, the effort so far has raised $624,000. Top contributors include Save the Redwoods League with $225,000 and Sempervirens Fund with $100,000.
Who opposes it?
State Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, Republican Assemblyman Joe Patterson and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association are among those opposed to the proposal.
Opponents note California is grappling with a budget deficit in the tens of billions of dollars. "Now there’s a proposal to add an additional $10 billion for ambiguous climate programs. Guess who’s going to foot the bill? That’s right—we taxpayers," opponents said in a statement. "Our tax dollars will be diverted from essential services to cover interest payments and principal repayment of the bond."
How much has the opposition raised to fight it?
As of Sept. 5, opponents have not raised any money.
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