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Measure that Would Protect Transit Money Qualifies for Ballot
The Orange Line | Photo by Zach Behrens/LAist
A fifth measure qualified for California's November ballot today, Secretary of State Debra Bowen announced this afternoon. If approved by voters, the state could no longer make a habit of raiding tax revenues that fund transportation projects and services in cities and other local jurisdictions. For a local example, the state withheld $14.7 million owed to Metro for the Orange Line extension earlier this year. Why? The state needed the money for their own budget problems. Local government services and community redevelopment projects funded by taxes would also be safe under the measure. Measures for the November ballot must qualify by June 24th. Other measures include legalizing marijuana, funding state parks through an annual vehicle registration fee and placing the redistricting of congressional districts under a commission. A legislative-sponsored water bond will also be decided on by voters.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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