The Rebuild California Plan – Transportation (Proposition 1A)

In March 2002 voters approved Proposition 42 requiring the sales tax on gasoline be used for transportation improvements. A loophole in the law has allowed politicians to divert these funds for other purposes. Consequently, in the last four years nearly $2.5 billion has been siphoned
away from road, highway and transit projects. Proposition 1A, the Transportation Funding Protection Act, which would close this loophole. It would dedicate the sales tax on motor fuels for transportation improvements, including funding for traffic congestion relief projects, safety improvements and construction and maintenance of streets and roads. Also, this proposition would require the repayment of the $2.5 billion in gas tax revenues that have been diverted to non-transportation programs over the past four years. Prop. 1A provides “fair share” funding to all cities and counties in the state to ease local congestion and improve deteriorating roadways.

Proponents of 1A argue that the measure dedicates taxes we already pay at the pump for transportation improvements like building roads, congestion relief, and safety repairs. 1A closes a loophole in the law to prevent politicians from spending gas taxes on other programs.

Opponents of 1A argue that education, health care, and disaster relief should be California's top priorities. In hard economic times, "autopilot" budgeting causes massive unnecessary cuts to schools, firefighters, trauma centers, and health care. The Governor and Legislature must have flexibility to meet the needs of Californians.

The proposition is on the ballot for the November 7th, 2006 General Election.

Sources:
http://www.lao.ca.gov/ballot/2006/1A_11_2006.htm
http://www.voterguide.ss.ca.gov/
http://www.smartvoter.org/2006/11/07/ca/state/prop/1A/