Sacramento Transportation Authority's Measure B Sales Tax Hike Still Falling Short of Passing

November 18, 2016 |

A measure sponsored by the Sacramento Transportation Authority seeking to double the Sacramento countywide sales tax continues to lag in the votes needed for approval according to results released this afternoon. 

The tally shows the controversial 30-year measure that would have increased sales taxes by 1/2 cent for 30-years is still short of the super-majority 66.6-percent need for approval. The results posted by the Sacramento County Board of Elections show yes votes totaling 287,759, or 65.10-percent, versus 154,283 no votes.

Measure B sought to provide a 30-year funding source for a variety of county wide transportation infrastructure repairs and projects. Some of the funding would have also been directed to mass transportation needs in the county 

The most controversial project, the Southeast Capital Connector, is seeking the tax-hike funding to build a road linking I-5 in Elk Grove to U.S. 50 in Folsom. Many smart planning advocates have opposed the connector road claiming it would encourage sprawl and Elk Grove rural resident in the Sheldon area have expressed concern it would destroy their rural community.    

Although ballots are sill being counted and by statute must be completed and certified by December 6, 2016, the gap between yes and no votes has been relatively steady since the first results released on election night.