California schools get first allocation from voter-approved bonds (Prop 1D)

http://www.bakersfield.com/119/story/96148.html ^ | 1/24/07 | AP

[NormsRevenge]

State officials Wednesday spent the first of the record $42.7 billion in bond funds voters approved in November.

The State Allocation Board authorized more than $300 million to upgrade classrooms in 192 school districts.

The projects had been approved last year but were on hold because the state had run out of money to modernize classrooms shortly before voters approved the $10.4 billion education bond, Proposition 1D.

"With this money, we are taking action to renovate schools that need it most," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a statement.

Proposition 1D was part of a $37.3 billion public works package that also included money for transportation, levees and affordable housing. Voters also approved a separate initiative allocating $5.4 billion to parks and water projects.

Schwarzenegger proposed allocating nearly a quarter of the bond money in the budget year that starts in July. Only a fraction of the money would actually be spent in the coming year, but the authorization would allow state agencies and architects to begin designing roads, schools, flood-protection and housing projects, officials say.

Also Wednesday, Schwarzenegger signed an executive order he said would ensure that the bond money does not get earmarked for pet projects.

"Every single dollar has to be spent wisely," he said.

In part, the order directs the state Department of Finance to create a Web site so the public can monitor how the bond funds are being spent. It also requires follow-up audits on all expenditures.