Newspapers throughout California are urging voters to say “no” to Proposition 6 on the November General Election ballot because it seeks to cut off funding designated for road repairs and public transportation by repealing the taxes and fees in a 2017 transportation law.
This initiative would repeal all the transportation taxes adopted by the Legislature in 2017, including higher gasoline and diesel excise taxes, a new tax on vehicles, and a new tax on zero-emission vehicles. The measure also would require any future legislatively imposed taxes on fuels and vehicles to take effect only upon a statewide vote of the people.
The Legislative Analyst estimates the measure would reduce spending on state and local transportation projects by nearly $5 billion annually. Repealing the gas tax would stop transportation improvement projects already underway in every community in California, eliminating funds already flowing to every city and county to fix potholes, make safety improvements, ease traffic congestion, upgrade bridges, and improve public transportation.
The CalChamber Board of Directors voted to oppose the measure because repealing the gas tax would:
- Stop transportation improvement projects already underway in every community in California. This measure would eliminate funds already flowing to every city and county to fix potholes, make safety improvements, ease traffic congestion, upgrade bridges, and improve public transportation. Thanks to SB 1 (the 2017 law), 4,000 local transportation improvement projects are already underway across the state.
- Make traffic congestion worse. California’s freeways and major thoroughfares are among the most congested in the nation, and Californians spend too much time stuck in traffic away from family and work. This measure would stop projects that will reduce traffic congestion.
- Cost drivers and taxpayers more money in the long run. The average driver spends $739 per year on front end alignments, body damage, shocks, tires and other repairs because of bad roads and bridges. Fixing a road costs eight times more than maintaining it. By delaying or stopping projects, this measure ultimately will increase costs for motorists.
- Hurt job creation and the state’s economy. Reliable transportation infrastructure is critical to get Californians to work, move goods and services to the market, and support the economy. This measure would eliminate more than 680,000 good-paying jobs and nearly $183 billion in economic growth that will be created by fixing California roads over the next decade.
Following are excerpts from newspaper editorials opposition Proposition 6.
Bakersfield Californian: We recommend: Fix our roads, deliver clean, abundant water. “The increases are expected to generate about $5 billion a year. In June, California voters passed Proposition 69, which restricts the way that funding can be spent: It may only go toward road and transportation projects.” September 30, 2018
Monterey Herald/Santa Cruz Sentinel: Prop. 6 would put traffic solutions in reverse. “We strongly urge voters to reject this political ploy that would end up costing every California motorist far more than the relatively slight uptick in the cost of gasoline. Vote no on Proposition 6.” September 29, 2018
Ventura County Star: Vote no on Prop. 6 and yes for roads. “California’s economy and population depend on a strong highway and road network, and many projects will not be funded if Prop. 6 passes. The state gas tax increases were the first in 23 years. They are a fair form of user fee — those who drive the most pay the most. And under Proposition 69, approved by state voters in June, the new revenue cannot be diverted to other uses. With this safeguard in place and a huge need for road improvements in our state, we again urge a no vote on Prop. 6.” September 29, 2018
Los Angeles Times: It’s hard to overstate how destructive Proposition 6 would be for California. Vote no. “Infrastructure isn’t cheap, and Californians will pay the price no matter what. Delaying maintenance only makes the work more expensive later on and the system more dangerous. Or we can pay a little more at the gas pump now for a smoother, safer and more efficient transportation system. Take the responsible road and vote no on Proposition 6.” September 22, 2018
The Sacramento Bee: Hating Caltrans isn’t a good enough reason to repeal the gas tax. “No one likes to pay more at the pump. But seriously tackling our state’s $130 billion backlog of highway and bridge maintenance and upgrades takes a significant, separate source of revenue. And these taxes and fees are the fairest method because those who use roads most are paying the most.” September 21, 2018
The San Diego Union-Tribune: Proposition 6: Vote no because gas tax-funded improvements are much-needed. “The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board encourages a no vote on Proposition 6. The protections meant to ensure funds are used properly — for road and transit improvements — are substantive. And it’s obvious that the state has an immense backlog of transportation renovations that are needed to keep our economy strong.” September 21, 2018
East Bay Times: To preserve funds for roads, transit, vote no on Prop. 6. “So, in sum, Prop. 6 misses the mark on two counts: It reverses badly needed funding for roads and transportation, and it imposes unnecessary restrictions on future fuel and car taxes. For either or both reasons, voters should say no.” September 4, 2018
San Francisco Chronicle: No on Proposition 6 – cynical political ploy would destroy California’s roads. “Roads, highways and traffic congestion are among Californians’ top complaints about quality of life in this state. So it’s critical for voters to understand how destructive Proposition 6, a November ballot initiative to repeal last year’s gas tax increase, could be for each and every motorist.” August 29, 2018
The Modesto Bee: Passing Prop 6 will cost us more than a few extra pennies at the pump. “Keep all those bad roads, the bad air, delayed emergency responses and disappearing commuter trains in mind when Nov. 6 rolls around and vote no on Proposition 6.” August 2, 2018
