The UC Board of Regents have endorsed the “Kindergarten-University Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2006,” which would provide vital funding for K-12 and higher education facility needs over the next two years. On the Nov. 7 ballot it is better known as Proposition 1D.

“Voter support for Proposition 1D is critical to the University’s ability to accommodate the growing number of students, improve building safety and modernize obsolete facilities,” said Gerald L. Parsky, the Regents’ chairman.

Among the UCSB projects that would be assisted by passage of Prop. 1D are seismic corrections to the Arts Building, construction of the Education and Social Sciences Building complex, and preliminary planning for the Davidson Library addition.

If approved, these general obligation bonds would provide a total of $10.4-billion. UCSB’s portion would be $36.2-million in the first year, while UC would receive $345-million a year for two years for facilities programs. An additional $200-million would expand the University’s medical schools.

Despite rapid population growth and changes in health care delivery, the state has not expanded medical education in California in almost 30 years. Among the 46 states with medical schools, California ranks 38th in the number of medical-school graduates per 100,000 people.

“(Prop. 1D) would also allow us to continue building our new campus in Merced, which is central to keeping our promise of access to the youth of the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California,” said UC President Robert C. Dynes.

For the past four decades, the state has funded UC facilities and infrastructure needs through such bonds.