Arizona Republicans challenge transportation measure over narrow vote margin

In 2022, Arizona voters amended the state constitution to stipulate that tax proposals must receive at least a 60% threshold to become law. Shortly after, Proposition 479 was presented to Maricopa County voters, seeking to continue a half-cent sales tax for transportation funding for another twenty years. This tax had a long history, having been initially approved by voters in 1985 and reauthorized in 2004. The goal of the measure was to support the extensive regional transportation plan, which had been agreed upon by county mayors and was estimated to cost $28.2 billion, with the sales tax providing approximately $14.9 billion of that total. However, the recent ballot result showed that only 59.82% of voters were in favor, falling short of the required 60% threshold. Bryan Blehm, an attorney representing those opposing the measure, argued that because the vote did not reach the mandated percentage, the Proposition should be decertified and treated as a new tax under the revised constitutional requirement. This legal action has triggered various responses. In defense of the Proposition, the campaign committee known as Connect Maricopa filed a motion to intervene, while the county has requested the dismissal of the lawsuit. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, a Democrat, criticized the lawsuit as flawed and highlighted the critical importance of maintaining funding for the transportation system, asserting that voters comprehended the implications of the measure. Additionally, Governor Katie Hobbs released a statement underscoring the potential job creation and economic benefits that would result from the approval of Proposition 479.