California Proposition 43 could raise tax approval threshold

California voters will decide on Proposition 43 this November, a measure that could increase the approval threshold for local tax initiatives. If passed, the proposition would require a two-thirds majority vote for citizen initiatives regarding sales taxes, including those for utilities, transit, and real estate. Currently, these measures only require a simple majority.

Local government and transit leaders have expressed concern that the change would make it harder to secure essential funding. Specifically, officials worry about the impact on regional measures like Senate Bill 63, which aims to raise $1 billion annually for Bay Area public transit. VTA Board Chair Sergio Lopez noted that such a requirement could empower a super-minority to veto policies supported by the majority and force agencies to seek alternative funding mechanisms.