When it comes to public infrastructure, it's not good enough that the projects to be funded are good. How fair the way it's funded also matters.
In 2016, Bay Area voters passed Measure RR and Measure C1, which together provided over $4 billion of funds for BART and AC Transit. These were parcel taxes paid by landowners, about $90 a year.
When California voted to build High Speed Rail, the funding came from state General Obligation bonds, which are paid for by state tax revenue, most of which comes from income taxes on the rich.
The BART to San Jose extension is funded by sales taxes. These aren't as progressive as income or property taxes, as low income people spend a greater percentage of their money on taxed goods, but at least sales taxes are directly related to how much one buys.
Regional Measure 3 is different. It is a flat fee on people who cross the bridge, regardless of their income. While $9 a day might not be much for the rich, for a minimum wage worker that's almost 10% of their annual income. That's why we should vote NO on RM3.
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