Proponents pushing proposed $8.3 billion Sacramento County tax hike well-funded by developers
Proponents of Sacramento County’s Measure A have amassed a large campaign war chest in their quest for the sales tax increase. The measure on this November’s ballot seeks to increase countywide sales taxes by one-half percent.
Their recent financial disclosures filed with Sacramento County Voter Registration and Elections show the Yes on Measure A Committee has raised $833,309.
Donors of note included the following:
- California Alliance for Jobs – $250,000
- Cordova Hill Development Corp. – $250,000
- Angelo K. Tsakopoulus – $95,809
- Lennar Corp. – $50,000
In 2016 the Sacramento Transporation Authority pursued a similar tax hike. However, that measure failed to receive the two-thirds required majority for approval.
Since this measure was put on the ballot by initiative, it only needs a simple majority for approval. In addition, the Yes on Measure A is well funded, and no opposition to date has coalesced.
Although no organized opposition has surfaced, it has been criticized as encouraging suburban sprawl and insufficiently addressing affordable housing. Among those criticizing the measure is Dan Allison, who operates the Getting Around Sacramento website.
As noted by Allison, “the proposed transportation sales tax for Sacramento County, Measure A, focuses mostly on the old model of transportation, where freeways and arterials provide fast travel to far-flung developments.”
Allison highlights a policy paradox created by new roadways, specifically the Southeast Connector road, which is the main funding recipient of Measure A:
“The measure envisions more and more of those, places [connected by the Southeast Connector] where the housing might be relatively affordable, but transportation costs are back-breaking. The measure wants to build more freeways and interchanges, expand freeways, widen roadways, and ease travel along major arterials. It is not interested in sidewalks and bicycle facilities that would support more housing in the already transportation affordable areas.”
If approved, the tax increase is forecast to generate $8.3 billion during its 30-year life.
