Oregon passes measures that expand use of bond funds

From The Portland Oregonian: Voters in Oregonhave approved measures expand schools' and universities' ability to use bond funds. Measure 68 enables the state to match money raised by local school districts through voter-approved bonds for capital projects. The state isn’t expected to have matching money until at least the 2011-13 biennium, but school districts will be able immediately to use capital bond money in new ways that include purchasing equipment and doing building repair and maintenance. Measure 69 amends the constitution to enable colleges and universities to use bond money to buy buildings as well as constructing them. Officials say that could save schools millions in building costs and lower interest rates.