Mayors of some of the largest cities in Maricopa County said after the state legislature and governor failed to find a compromise to get Maricopa County voters to consider extending the sales tax to fund transportation projects. , showing a willingness to solve the problem with their own hands.
The Republican-majority legislature on Tuesday sent Gov. Katie Hobbs a bill containing partisan priorities, including a halt to the light rail extension to the Capitol and a preemptive ban on gasoline-burning vehicles.
Hobbes, a Democrat, said Republican leadership was “holding the state’s economic potential hostage” and promised an immediate veto.
In response, six mayors signed and issued a letter pledging to extend tax increases directly to voters through “another way” in 2024 if no solution is found.
The letter called the bill sent to Hobbes on Tuesday a “Special Interests Act to derail our nation’s boom”, adding that it came from a very small group of lawmakers.
Mayors who signed the letter denouncing Congress as a “California-style deadlock” include:
- Phoenix’s Kate Gallego
- John Giles of Mesa
- Corey Woods of Tempe
- Kevin Hartock as Chandler
- Gilbert’s Bridget Peterson
- Ken Wise of Avondale
Leaders represent some of the state’s largest cities.
Mayors conceded by more than 30 points in an effort to reach a deal, but wrote that an “uncompromising group of lawmakers” was “spitting out half the truth” and pushing Maricopa County’s “out of touch with reality” priorities. rice field. Fast paced growth.
What the other party said:Republicans in Congress submit Hobbes Transportation Tax Plan to Maricopa County.Governor vetoes
“We are categorically opposed to their plan and, if no solution can be found, we have no choice but to pursue other avenues to get this plan to voters in 2024,” the letter said. It is written.
The last time voters approved a half-cent sales tax was Proposition 400 in 2004. This tax was first approved in his 1985 and expires in 2025.
Local mayors and transportation officials, who have spent the past two years planning to invest in future highways, bus routes and streetcars, say the tax extension is critical to the region’s economic vitality. . They also said planned improvements would reduce commute times, highlighting the quality of life for existing residents.
Transportation taxes fund construction of regional highways, such as 101, 202, and 303 loops, as well as the Valley Metro Light Rail in Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa. It provides significant funding to operate the Valley’s public bus system and paratransit services for disabled people. It also opens the door to billions of dollars of federal funding through matching grants.
Maricopa County is the only state in Arizona that requires Congressional permission to ask voters for approval of a transportation tax. This has frustrated local leaders, who say they are in jeopardy of extending the tax hike despite what they believe is overwhelming voter support.
more:Why the Arizona Legislature is Shaping the Future of Transportation in Maricopa County
The sales tax extension could come to voters in 2024 without Congressional approval if mayors gather enough petition signatures to qualify for the measure.
Actions based on petitions are usually difficult to implement due to the large number of signatures required, but they are not unprecedented.
Arizona legalized recreational marijuana through Proposition 207 in 2020 to petition the bill to be put on the ballot. This mechanism was also used to raise the state minimum wage in 2016 through Proposition 206.
Taylor Seeley reports on Phoenix in the Arizona Republic.please contact her tseely@arizonarepublic.com Or call 480-476-6116.she is on twitter @taylorseely95.
Reports from Stacey Berchanger, Ray Stern, and Mary Jo Pitzle of the Arizona Republic are included in this article.
