Julien LaFortune

The average American public school building is 49 years old, with over half requiring significant repairs or replacement. A $429 billion funding gap exists to modernize facilities, which are often outdated and lack adequate technology infrastructure, impacting student learning and teacher retention.

California's population growth has slowed significantly due to declining immigration and birth rates. A 2023 study by the Public Policy Institute of California found the total fertility rate dropped to 1.48, below the replacement level of 2.1, contributing to population stagnation and a loss of congressional seats.