Supporters of Proposition 91 say the measure is no longer needed. Then why is it on the ballot? KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce explains.
You won't see or hear a big ad campaign for Proposition 91. In fact, the people that put the measure on the ballot are urging you to vote “no.” The California Alliance for Jobs and Transportation California both say Proposition 1A, passed by voters in November 2006, makes Prop. 91 unnecessary.
They say Prop. 1A accomplishes the same thing. That measure narrowed a loophole that allowed the Governor and Legislature to raid gas tax funds to balance the state budget. But it still allows the state to borrow some gas tax revenue in case of a fiscal emergency. Those loans are restricted and no borrowing can happen until the loan is repaid.
But if the measure's sponsors want you to vote against it, why is it still on the ballot? KPBS Site Administration Area
Kate Folmar with the Secretary of State's office says it's about timing.
Folmar: Proposition 1A wound up on the November 2006 ballot. Shortly thereafter Proposition 91 qualified but it was too late for November so it was kicked over to the February ballot and there it remains.
Folmar says the Secretary of State's office can't simply remove a measure because its supporters change their minds.
Folmar: Once something has qualified for the ballot, the Secretary of State has no authority to remove it unless ordered to do so by a court and that has not happened.
Proposition 91 would eliminate the Legislature's ability to spend gas tax money on non-transportation expenses and would impose even tighter borrowing restrictions. The measure does have the support of a small transportation advocacy group in Los Angeles.
Ed Joyce, KPBS News.
