Building a Better Virginia

Virginia's 2002 Higher Education
Bond Referendum

 

On November 5, Virginia voters will have the opportunity to vote for a bond referendum that will provide $900 million to improve capital facilities at colleges, universities, community colleges, and museums in every region of Virginia.

 

Education is opportunity.  This referendum is about expanding opportunity for the people of Virginia.  Passage will expand Virginia's ability to help people learn new skills, so they can get good jobs and get ahead.

 

Quality higher education is key to prosperity.  In a changing economy, education is the key that unlocks the doors of opportunity that lead to a better life.  Education is key to personal advancement - and to Virginia's economic competitiveness.  The fact is that companies want to locate or expand near colleges and universities so that they can take advantage of a well-trained workforce.  

 

This plan will grow the economy.  This bond package will generate more than $1.5 billion in economic activity by 2008, and it will create nearly 14,000 new jobs.

 

This plan will promote research. Now, more than ever, excellence in education requires world-class facilities for teaching and conducting research.  Almost one-third of the bond plan is for medical, science, engineering, and other types of research. 

 

Our campuses are growing. Over the next decade, an additional 32,000 qualified high school graduates are expected to enroll at our colleges, universities, and community colleges.  That's on top of the 325,000 students these institutions now serve.

 

This plan is fiscally responsible.  Passing this bond issue will NOT increase taxes, and it will NOT affect Virginia's coveted "triple A" bond rating that we share with only eight other states.  With interest rates so low, it makes sense to invest now. 

 

Please remember to vote Tuesday, November 5.