LAX Leader

When Californians head to the polls in November, they will vote on 10 statewide ballot measures addressing critical policy issues such as affordable housing, climate resilience, and modernizing public schools. USC experts are available to discuss this year's statewide ballot propositions.

John G. Matsusaka, executive director of the Initiative and Referendum Institute at USC, commented on California's continued role as a leader in allowing citizens to use ballot measures for state issues. "This year, 5 of the 10 propositions currently set for the ballot came from the legislature and 5 came from citizen petitions," he said. Matsusaka highlighted that legislative propositions require voter approval for bond issues and constitutional amendments while citizen initiatives often aim to override legislative decisions.

Prop. 2 proposes issuing $10 billion in bonds to fund the construction and modernization of California’s public education facilities. Pedro Noguera, dean of the USC Rossier School of Education, emphasized its significance: "In addition to supporting the badly needed upgrade, renovation and construction of schools across the state, Prop. 2 is also likely to be used by some school districts to support efforts to develop housing for teachers and staff."

Lawrence Picus from USC Rossier underscored the necessity of these funds: "The two school construction bond measures on the California ballot in November — $10 billion statewide and $9 billion in LAUSD — are essential for ensuring that every student in the state has a safe and up-to-date place to attend school every day."

Prop. 4 proposes borrowing $10 billion for environmental projects including flood control, water infrastructure, wildfire management, and parks. Matthew Kahn from USC Dornsife expressed concerns about its complexity: "Why didn’t the authors propose a separate ballot initiative for each of the ballot’s pieces? Under these rules, voters could better prioritize which of these environmental items they care most about."

Prop. 33 aims to repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, potentially expanding rent control across California. Christian Grose from USC Dornsife noted that early data shows voters are evenly split on this issue: "In a 2024 poll I conducted at USC in partnership with California State University showed that 39% supported the repeal...and 41% opposed repeal...with 20% undecided."

Additional experts available include Santina Contreras on environmental planning impacts related to Prop. 4 and Mindy Romero on political behavior among youth and communities of color.

Contact details:

- Nina Raffio: raffio@usc.edu or (213) 442-8464

- John G. Matsusaka: matsusak@usc.edu

- Pedro Noguera: pnoguera@rossier.usc.edu

- Lawrence Picus: lpicus@rossier.usc.edu

- Matthew Kahn: kahnme@usc.edu

- Christian Grose: cgrose@usc.edu

- Santina Contreras: santinac@usc.edu

- Mindy Romero: msromero@usc.edu