(The Center Square) – The fate of Proposition 479 could be in jeopardy depending on the outcome of a lawsuit by the Maricopa County Republican Committee.
The commission filed a lawsuit against the county Board of Supervisors, arguing that the law could not technically pass because it did not meet the legally required 60% threshold for tax increase measures. This standard became law in 2022 with the passage of Proposition 132.
The proposal received 59.8% support, falling just short of that threshold, the plaintiffs claim. The proposal would renew the half-cent sales tax for transportation purposes for another 20 years, continuing from 1985 and 2004.
arizona republic Connect Maricopa, which campaigned in support of the tax, reported that it had filed a “motion to intervene” on Saturday.
“Proposition 479 did not win at the required 60% threshold. It will be interesting to see how this plays out,” local activist Melissa Hamilton tweeted Thursday morning.
However, some supporters of the proposal argue that Prop. 132 does not apply to county-related proposals, according to The Republic.
“Proposition 479 will create hundreds of thousands of jobs, attract billions of dollars in investment, and continue to drive Arizona’s economic momentum,” Christian Slater, a spokesperson for Gov. Katie Hobbs, said in a statement. Probably.” “For the third time, county voters have expressed their commitment to supporting the region’s transportation system, which has served as an economic engine for nearly 40 years. We worked with leaders to put Proposition 479 on the ballot.”
“Arizonas should celebrate this success, not try to undermine or destroy it,” he added.
Secretary of State Adrian Fontes’ office said they were removed as defendants in the case “with the consent of the plaintiffs in a status conference.”
“Proposition 479 is a county-level ballot measure and the Secretary of State’s Office is not directly involved in this matter,” said Secretary of State Spokesperson JP Martin.
The county said it does not comment on pending litigation.
Oral arguments in this case will be held on Friday, December 13th at 10am. Maricopa County Superior Court.
