Supporters of a proposed sales tax increase that would fund a dramatic expansion of Los Angeles County’s passenger rail network have contributed more than $4.5 million this year, campaign disclosures show. Measure M would raise an estimated $860 million per year, or about $120 billion over four decades. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority would fund the investments through a new half-cent sales tax with no end date. California law bars Metro officials from using taxpayer funds to advocate for Measure M. But several coalitions of advocates and politicians have taken up the fundraising and lobbying mantle. Others have said the measure would not return enough funding to municipalities for local transportation needs, including street repairs.

Source: Los Angeles Times October 06, 2016 19:30 UTC