VENTURA, Calif. - Feb. 24, 2020 - The Ventura College Foundation has endorsed Proposition 13 on the March 3 primary ballot. The statewide $15 billion education bond measure would enable seismic, safety and maintenance building improvements to California public schools including $2 billion earmarked for community colleges.
"The college has been in its current location since 1955. Important capital and infrastructure improvements are needed across campus. Science lab classes are at maximum capacity. The need for additional lab space presents a barrier for degree completion for our students with STEM, healthcare and other lab dependent majors," says Rob Van Nieuwburg, Ventura College Foundation board chair. "It's a constant challenge to ensure that needed facilities are available and offer a modern, safe environment for learning. If Proposition 13 passes, the additional state funding may enable Ventura College to enhance student education and training for 21st Century workforce demands."
Van Nieuwburg is concerned about misinformation on social media claiming the bond measure would negatively alter the 1978 Proposition 13 that limits property tax increases. "It's unfortunate that both have the same proposition number. Passage of the current Proposition 13 would not raise taxes," explains Van Nieuwburg. "Money to fund school upgrades through the measure would be raised through state bond sales."
For more about Proposition 13, go to https://lao.ca.gov/BallotAnalysis/Propositions.
Ventura College Foundation
Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation provides financial support to the students and the programs of Ventura College to facilitate student success and grow the impact and legacy of Ventura College as a vital community asset. The Foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace; an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus east parking lot. For more information, contact Julie Harvey at (805) 289-6502 or jharvey@vcccd.edu (mailto:aking@vcccd.edu) or visit www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org.
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Diane Rumbaugh
