San Mateo County's SamTrans and Santa Clara County's VTA boards voted to support a half-cent sales tax increase for transit funding in 2026. Some officials express concern about the regressive nature of sales taxes, advocating for corporate taxes instead. If approved, Santa Clara's total sales tax would rise to 10.25%. The measure is part of Senate Bill 63, allowing lower voter approval thresholds. Transit ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels, as agencies face significant revenue losses and challenges related to employer departures from the region.
"The additional half-cent mass transit bailout would raise the rate to 10.25% if approved in 2026, affecting sales tax rates in Santa Clara County."
"Polling results from January showed a half-cent sales tax was between 51% and 57% support, indicating public backing for funding transit services."
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