Propuesta L – Continuar con el impuesto sobre las ventas vigente para el transporte público

We need smoother, safer streets, reliable and timely transportation, and alternatives to driving to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Proposition L extends the half-cent sales tax currently collected for transportation projects until 2053 and authorizes the Department of Transportation to issue up to $1.91 billion in bonds for transportation projects, to be repaid with revenue from that sales tax. Supporters of Proposition L include emergency responders who rely on well-maintained roads to fulfill their life-saving missions, bus, BART and Caltrain riders, bicyclists, bus drivers, and advocates for pedestrian safety and the rights of seniors and people with disabilities.

Undeniably, this is a regressive way to raise funds, and we wish public transit were adequately funded. However, our community has long suffered under an unfair tax system that favors the wealthy and large corporations. Therefore, we support a fair and just tax system that provides a budget sufficient to guarantee that the next generation, regardless of class or background, can receive quality public education and social services. For now, we must ensure the community has the resources it needs, and this sales tax is the unavoidable choice.