As many of you know, Metro is getting feedback on developing a new long range transportation plan and a possible ballot measure for Nov. 2016 although there’s nothing definitive yet before the the Metro Board.
In order to take a ballot measure to voters, Metro first needs a bill approved by the Legislature allowing the agency to do so. On Thursday, that bill — SB 767 (Sen. Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles) — was approved in the State Senate by a 24-13 vote. It next will be considered by the Assembly.
Here is the update from Metro’s government relations team:
Yesterday, SB 767 (De Leon), which would authorize Metro to place a sales tax measure on a future ballot was approved in the State Senate. The bill has been amended to incorporate legislation from last year, SB 1037 (Hernandez). The Board of Directors adopted a Work with Author position on that measure. To view the amended version of the bill, please click here. The measure will now be moved to the Assembly and will soon be considered in the Assembly Transportation Committee.
The SB 1037 bill requires Metro to update its long-range plan and an expenditure plan before taking any measure to voters. Metro is in the process of doing that.
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Categories: Policy & Funding, Projects
If Metro’s new measure will also include “Trojan Horse” funding for the 710 Toll & Truck Tunnel, I predict that it will be DOA, like old Measure J, thus hurting funding for worthy rapid transit programs. It has been said: “You can’t serve two masters.”
Unless the MTA tax increase measure includes relief for those traveling east and west though West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood , Hollywood, etc. via State Route 2 as it’s top priority I will oppose the measure and encourage others to do the same. Light Rail through open fields in the suburbs is not only ill advised but a insult to those trapped in a transit corridor that was slated for a freeway only to be killed by Governor Jerry Brown. Imagine building a home or factory only to have the government refusing to construct a road that was promised when you made the decision to build
What is not clear to me, Beyond 710 and the No on 710 folks is if the measure will include further funding for the 710 toll and truck tunnel–does The Source know?
Metro hasn’t release an expenditure plan for a potential ballot measure yet. Such a plan should outline which projects would get money. The plan could be available later in the year.
Steve Hymon
Editor, The Source