Measure A dropped as Sacramento Transportation Authority ends pursuit of 40-year $8.4 billion tax increase

The COVID-19 worldwide pandemic claimed another victim today when the Sacramento Transporation Authority board of directors decided against pursuing a 40-year countywide sales tax increase. That unanimous vote of members in attendance ends an almost two-year process that was effectively killed by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn.

The vote by the multi-jurisdictional STA board of directors ended their pursuit to place the so-called Measure A on this November's ballot that sought to impose a 40-year one-half percent sales tax in Sacramento County. The sales tax increase was expected to raise $8.4 billion to fund a variety of transportation projects throughout the county.

Before hearing public comments, STA Executive Director Will Kempton told the board members they had received 153 email comments, with 139 in opposition to the sales tax increase, and there were 80 people signed up to make live call-in comments. The directors also heard a presentation from a pollster who said a survey conducted in the last week of June showed little appetite among likely voters for the measure, which requires a two-thirds majority for approval.

Several dozen speakers said they opposed the pursuit of the sales tax increase, citing the inappropriateness of asking voters to pay higher rates during an economic downturn and their general distrust of government. Many speakers also expressed frustration that even though the STA has a previously approved countywide sales in place, they see little evidence it has benefited taxpayers. 

"I'm against that right now, our taxes are high enough, and we've already had two increases in the gas tax and the vehicle registration fees, yet no additional work has been done on our roads," speaker Mark Thompson of Antelope said. "I think it is the wrong time in California."

Wilton resident Betsy Mahan thanked the STA board members for reconsidering pursuit of the measure and noted the recent defeat of statewide tax measure during the March primary was a leading indicator of voter discontent. 

"The defeat of Proposition 13 on the last ballot showed voters are wary of tax increases, and of course now with COVID, it would create an even greater burden on people's budget," she said.

The closest to a supportive message on the tax measure came from Suzanne Guthrie. She acknowledged streets need repair and appreciates public transportation, including new bus services to Sacramento International Airport, which as a user she praised. 

"But a tax increase at this time is dismaying and penalizing, rather than supporting the county's citizens," Guthrie said.  

Even though the COVID-19 economic downturn seemingly doomed the placement of Measure A on the November ballot, five members of the STA board led by Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost and Elk Grove City Councilmember Pat Hume have for months expressed skepticism over the expenditure plan. Frost and Hume and three other STA board members argued too little was appropriated for new roadway projects like the long-sought Southeast Connector roadway project in southeastern Sacramento County.  

The withdrawal of Measure A from the November ballot is another setback for the STA and its 16 member board of directors representing municipalities who sought the money for a variety of transportation projects. Those projects ranged from the Southeast Connector road to increased light rail and bus transit services. 

In 2016 a similar measure by the STA in a healthier economy was narrowly defeated by voters. With this setback, should the STA decide again to go through the years-long process to seek new taxes, the board of directors will have to wait until the 2022 primary or general election unless a special countywide election is held before that. 

In comments after the STA vote, Bruce W. Lee of the Sacramento Taxpayer Association, which built a diverse coalition opposing the measure, expressed satisfaction with the development. Lee said, "Congratulations! Without one dissenting vote, the Sacramento Transportation Authority just voted to rescind Measure A completely. What a wonderful victory, and it sets the stage for us to work with the STA and other government organizations in the months ahead."

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