Campaign to fund Bay Area transit (SB63 sales tax measure) smashes signature goal; SF Muni parcel tax also qualifies; voters reject new taxes in primary
Key Questions
What progress has the SB63 campaign made toward qualifying the regional transit funding measure?
The grassroots campaign has secured 306,000 signatures, exceeding the requirement by 120,000, with support from more than 1,000 volunteers, businesses, and labor unions. A fiscal-efficiency review requirement was added to address voter concerns.
Did the SF Muni parcel tax qualify for the November ballot?
Yes, the measure qualified with 18,000 signatures, double the required amount, and needs only a simple majority to pass with broad coalition support.
What challenges does Bay Area transit funding face after the primary election?
Voters rejected several new taxes in the primary, signaling tax fatigue, while Santa Clara County shows low poll support and opposition from groups like the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. The SMART extension passing indicates some nuance in voter preferences.
SB63 sales tax measure smashes signature goal (306k) for November ballot. SF Muni parcel tax also qualifies with 18k signatures. Voters rejected new taxes in Tuesday primary, signaling tax fatigue; SMART extension passed showing nuance. Transit funding faces uphill battle in November.