Arizona Governor to Veto Republican-Backed Transportation Sales Tax Proposal

Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona will veto a proposal by Senate Republicans to extend a sales tax that funds transportation projects in Maricopa County. The half-cent sales tax has been in place since 1985 and is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2025. Hobbs recently unveiled a plan where 40% of the tax revenue would go to freeways, 22% for arterial roads, and 38% for transit projects like buses. However, Republican’s plans are different than the governor. Republicans are looking to lower the overall half-cent sales tax, increase freeway allocation to 46% and prohibit light rail expansion.