Government Affairs | |||||||||||
Votes on Transportation,
Schools, Development Directly Impact Architects |
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Following is a sampling of the November 5 outcome of several state and local ballot proposals on transportation, school construction, and economic development that will affect the design community. Transportation Across the country, Washington State voters defeated a major transportation initiative, Referendum 51. The unsuccessful measure would have, among other revenue-generating actions, increased the gas tax by 9 cents per gallon and allowed the state to bond out $4.5 million. Funds would have then been used for state road and rail projects, and, although deemed controversial, the measure had the support of the legislature and Gov. Gary Locke (D). Alaskans passed Proposition B, which will allow the state to bond more than $225 million for transportation projects. Californians, meanwhile, rejected a proposal that would have shifted sales tax revenue from the sale of new and used cars to mass transportation and road improvement projects. School construction The people of Utah passed Amendment 1, which increases fees imposed on storage and disposal of radioactive waste. Eighty percent of the revenues would be directed toward Utah's schools. In Virginia, voters approved Question 1, allowing the Commonwealth to sell bonds to pay for capital projects at state-supported colleges, universities, museums, and other educational facilities. Voters in Oregon endorsed Measure 15, authorizing the state to issue debt for the seismic rehabilitation of public-education buildings. Floridians approved an amendment to reduce class size in pre-kindergarten school facilities. The state also must now construct sufficient school facilities so that no more than 18 students are in a class for grades pre-kindergarten3; 22 students for grades 48; and 25 students for grades 912. Economic development Local government, municipal ballot questions For more information, contact Jonathan Levy, program manager, State and Local Affairs, 202-626-7513 or by email. Copyright 2002 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved. |
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