Anti-Congestion Fees Bill Seeks Majority Vote

Gas fees that would be used to fund transportation projects aimed to relieve traffic congestion could pass with a majority vote if a new bill is signed into law.

On Monday, a state Assembly committee began considering SB 791, which would allow the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to put proposed gas fees before voters without approval from two-thirds of the voters.

Revenue from the proposed fees levied at gas pumps would go to transit, bike and pedestrian projects aimed to lessen traffic congestion. The fees would also help fund toll roads or other safety and maintenance improvements to county highways and bridges.

The bill, introduced by state Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, would allow the gas fees to pass through a majority vote, rather than the much more difficult two-thirds majority vote.

Opponents say the bill violates Proposition 218, which requires a two-thirds vote to approve taxes for a specific use.

In 2008, Measure R, the half-cent sales tax increase that was used to fund 12 major transit projects, including the Gold Line extension project, was passed with a two-thirds majority vote.

The voter approval of Measure R during a severe economic downturn came as a surprise to many.

Proponents say achieving another two-thirds vote with a still struggling economy would be a long shot.

“But we can't rely on miracles if we're going to do what we need to do to make sure our transportation systems are healthy and robust,'' Move L.A. Executive Director and former Santa Monica Mayor Denny Zane said. "This bill provides the opportunity for congestion reduction strategies that can be approved by a sensible majority vote.''

But opposition to the bill say the only sensible vote is one approved by a true majority.

"(Legislators) are using time and resources to try and get around the
intent of the voters, instead of spending their time making an argument for the new tax," said David Kline, spokesperson for the California Taxpayers Association.

The bill was referred Monday to the Assembly Committee on Rules, according to Steinberg's office

- City News Service contributed to this report.