In summary

Our video covers the basics you need to know to size up any bond not numbered 007.

Seemingly every state election, California voters are asked to approve a new bond measure. They add up to billions for schools, veterans, housing, children’s hospitals and more.

The newest — Proposition 13, a $15 billion bond for school and college facilities — is on the March 3 ballot.

But more than a few voters are befuddled by how bonds work — unsure about whether it amounts to free money or a flat-out tax increase (neither when it comes to state bonds, although local bonds can directly raise taxes).

Our video walks you through the basics of what you need to know to size up any California bond not numbered 007.

YouTube video

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Byrhonda Lyons is a national award-winning investigative reporter for CalMatters. She writes and produces compelling stories about California’s court and criminal system. Her reporting has uncovered...

Judy serves as hub editor of the California Divide project, a five-newsroom collaboration covering economic inequality. Prior to editing, she reported on state finance, workforce and economic issues. Her...