Proposed California initiative seeks to end high speed rail

By JONATHAN J. COOPER
1 hour ago

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Supporters of a November ballot measure to repeal a California gas tax increase proposed Tuesday an initiative for 2020, saying it would provide money for road repairs and eliminate the state’s beleaguered $77 billion high-speed rail project.

The proposal comes from conservative radio host Carl DeMaio and others behind Proposition 6, which will ask voters this November if they want to repeal a 12-cent gas tax hike and increases in vehicle registration fees approved by lawmakers last year.

The 2020 plan is the next step in their effort. It would change the state Constitution to require revenue from existing gas taxes be spent only for road and bridge work, not transit, bicycle infrastructure or planning.

All other transportation-related revenue — such as taxes and fees on auto sales, insurance and vehicle registrations — would have to be spent on transit projects.

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