Voters in four states weigh college and housing bond measures

Voters in several states are being asked to approve bonds for colleges, workforce training and affordable housing. Rhode Island’s Question 1 would authorize up to $275 million for projects at its three public colleges, including health education, a library renovation and job-training facilities; supporters cite workforce and educational needs, while opponents question the added debt. New Mexico voters will decide on $350 million for about 30 higher-education projects, including an expansion of the University of New Mexico’s medical school intended to help address a shortage of health care providers. In Vermont, a revised $54.9 million bond would fund a new Central Vermont Career Center after voters rejected a much larger proposal last year, with demand for career programs outstripping current capacity. California’s Proposition 1 would provide about $11 billion in housing bonds, including $350 million for the UC and CSU systems, as students weigh the potential effect of housing costs and the measure on life after graduation.