California lawmakers have announced plans to pursue bond measures that would add $20 billion to the state's debt but help fund the response to climate-related disasters, ensure clean drinking water and modernize school buildings. The two climate and education bond measures would borrow $10 billion each and could be put before voters on the November ballot if approved by the Legislature this week, then signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
If passed, it will be the largest investment in climate in state history. “Every part of our state is affected, and unless we take action now, the cost to address these impacts will become increasingly overwhelming,' said state Sen. Ben Allen , chair of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee. A long list of school districts support the education finance bond measure, which would modernize schools in need of new heating and cooling systems, libraries and broadband internet.