The Brentwood Community Council voted on September 2 to support a measure that would increase sales taxes in Los Angeles County by a ½ cent for transit projects. California State Assemblyman Michael Feuer, who authored the bill, came to the meeting to ask for their support. Los Angeles City Councilwoman Wendy Gruel (2nd District – San Fernando Valley) also encouraged the council to support the measure. Councilman Bill Rosendahl (District 11 – West Los Angeles) has long supported the measure, which includes funding for a “subway to the sea.â€
AB2321 allows Los Angeles’ Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to place a ½ cent sales tax increase on the November ballot to fund transportation projects, including the extension of the subway westward, the Exposition light rail system to Santa Monica, and significant funds for more immediate items like synchronized lights and upgrading existing bus lines. The bill would raise $30-40 billion over a 30-year period to fund the projects.
AB2321 has passed in the State Senate and Assembly and is now awaiting Governor Schwarzenegger’s signature. The ordinance, Measure R, will then go on the November ballot, raising Los Angeles County sales tax to 8.75 percent. The ordinance must pass by a 2/3 margin for the tax to be instated. For more information, visit http://info.sen.ca.gov
