Dear Neighbor,
Many of you know that just recently, another school bond failed in the Highline District despite a majority of residents casting a yes vote.
This is unacceptable. Our schools are falling apart.
Time and time again in our state we’ve seen school bonds pass by over 50% but fail to meet the 60% pass requirement.
Why is 54.6 percent a landslide for a politician, yet a failure for our public schools?
We can do better. That’s why I’ve teamed up with my Republican colleague, Rep. Muri, and 43 other legislators to sponsor House Bill 1941. Together, we are fighting to allow school bonds to pass with a simple majority in November Elections.
Our current system is broken. The requirement that bonds pass by over 60% is archaic and outdated. It was put in place at the same time our country was focused on winning a war against Nazi Germany.
Much has changed since then – it’s time for this to change too.
Our children deserve better. Our children are worthy of learning in real classrooms and schools, not converted broom closets and leaky trailers. Real classrooms don’t have wheels.
Nearly half the school districts in the state have had at least three consecutive bond-measure failures since 1998 according to a report from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
Between 1999-2013, 232 school bonds across our state failed despite earning between 50-59.999% of the vote. Many of these bonds earned over 57, 58 and 59 percent!
All voters deserve to have their voice heard in our democracy. And 50% plus one is democracy. A simple majority was passed for levies in 2008.
Today, simple majority for bonds makes sense given Washington’s population growth and the new mandate to reduce class size.
Here are some great reads:
- Seattle Times, Make passing school bond measures easier
- Tacoma News Tribune, Proposal would lower bar for school-district bond measures
Schools are the center of thriving communities. Let’s make sure all our children have a safe place to learn. This year’s effort is just the beginning of this conversation. I look forward to continue working to make a simple majority a reality for school bonds in Washington.
Thank you for giving me the honor of representing you. I want to hear from you on this and other issues. Please get in touch through e-mail, phone or an in-person meeting.
Best,
Mia