Measure E is a $450 million bond measure to improve aging Contra Costa Community College facilities.

If the district wins the ballot, LMC will be looking at new Student Activities and Performing Arts buildings.

Funding from the measure would be applied to a new campus and will expand already existing Contra Costa College buildings.

LMC student Kathryn Lucido says, “A lot of people are against it because it is a new tax, but I think it is worth it. It is only like a 30 cent increase per day and means so much for the district.”

Supporters, such as Lucido, say Measure E would help maintain quality career training programs and education for college districts. They believe it will also offset severe state budget cuts due to reduced revenue coming to the College District. It would further reduce the need for teacher layoffs and will limit increases in class size and provide improved technological devices, which are needed, for students to stay educationally competitive.

The bond proceeds would increase accessibility for those with disabilities, including major improvements to campus grounds, classrooms and lab technology.

Measure E would generate $60.1 million dollars that can be matched by state funds to bring needed improvements to all district colleges over 10 years old, as well as relieve overcrowding by constructing classrooms.

In total, Measure E will help fund over $120 million in modernization and new construction projects. These funds cannot be taken by the state nor can they fund salaries or benefits. All funds will be used for facilities and will be monitored by an Independent Citizen’s Oversight Committee.

Most of the community colleges around Contra Costa are over 55 years old and in need of major repairs and improvements.

While the measure has generally produced positive feedback, some opposing the bond feel the proposal will put a financial squeeze on struggling homeowners and residents. These residents would have higher tax increases on their dwellings.

Voting for or against the bond takes place June 3 and requires a 55 percent approval from the district.