8.No one in my household attends Río Hondo College. Why should this matter to me?

RHCCD is a vital economic engine for the southeast section of Los Angeles County, creating thousands of jobs and generating economic benefits for local workers and businesses. In fact, Río Hondo College is where most of our local nurses, police, firefighters, and 911 emergency responders are trained. It’s a vital resource for local college students and veterans seeking real-world skills to compete for good-paying jobs or prepare to transfer to 4-year colleges or universities without facing crushing loan debt. Río Hondo College even invites local high school students get a jump start on college by taking courses while still in high school and leads innovative initiatives to provide residents locally and from across the border to attend Río Hondo College, many who are the first members of their families to receive and experience a college education.

9.What about the Lottery funding? Wasn’t it supposed to fix our public schools and colleges?

Unfortunately, Lottery funds can only be used for classroom instruction, not technology or facility upgrades. Moreover, the money our college district receives from the Lottery each year comprises less than 2% of our annual General Fund Budget.

10.If voters approve Measure RH, when will the work begin?

If voters approve Measure RH, the District would immediately focus on addressing the most critical facility needs. A schedule for funding projects will be developed to complete projects on time and within budget.

11.How can we be assured that the bond money would be spent properly?

Taxpayer protections are REQUIRED. ALL funds generated by Measure RH MUST STAY LOCALLY CONTROLLED for the direct benefit of Río Hondo College. MANDATORY Public spending disclosure, annual audits, independent citizens’ oversight ensure funds are used as promised. None of the money from this measure can be used to increase salaries, benefits, or pensions for administrators, teachers, or any other District employees.

12.Doesn’t the STATE provide funding for facility upgrades?

Very little. In the past, State funding has been available to support local community college and K12 school upgrades, but especially now, we cannot count on this uncertain source of funding. Moreover, in order to access state funding, community college districts MUST generate local matching funds by passing a local facilities bond measure. Passing a local bond is the ONLY way to qualify for additional state funding if and when it becomes available. There are no other sources of funding for major facility upgrades.

13.Will businesses share in the cost of Measure RH?

Yes, commercial, industrial, and residential property owners will be subject to the Measure RH assessment.

14.Will Measure RH support student and staff health and safety?

If approved by local voters, this ballot measure will support student and staff health and safety by upgrading utility systems, deteriorating infrastructure, removing hazardous materials like asbestos and lead pipes where encountered, and improving fire and emergency communications systems. By funding these upgrades we can ensure the College’s instructional environment is safer both on a day-to-day basis and in case of an emergency.

15.What is a Proposition 39 bond measure and what can it pay for?

A Proposition 39 bond measure can ONLY be used to fund public education facility and technology improvements (capital projects - not maintenance or regular repairs). A Proposition 39 facilities bond requires 55% to pass. Proposition 39 education facility bonds prohibit the use of the funds for operations, salaries or pensions. It also requires independent financial and performance audits on the use of bond proceeds. No revenue generated by a local bond can be taken away by the State.

16.Who is eligible to vote on Measure RH?

All registered voters within the Río Hondo Community College District are eligible to vote on this ballot measure headed for the November 5, 2024 ballot.