Maricopa Republicans Abandon Lawsuit Against Transportation Sales Tax

By Staff Reporter |

The Maricopa County Republican Committee (MCRC) has decided to withdraw its legal challenge against Proposition 479, a transportation sales tax approved by voters. On Sunday, the committee filed a motion to dismiss their lawsuit, signaling a significant shift in their stance.

Attorney Bryan Blehm, representing the MCRC, filed the motion on behalf of chairman Craig Berland and first vice-chairman Shelby Busch. Proposition 479 is a continuation of a half-cent sales tax initiated in 1985 and renewed in 2004, with revenues dedicated to Maricopa County infrastructure through 2045.

Nearly 60 percent of voters supported Proposition 479, a figure predicted by polling leading up to the election. This proposition emerged from Senate Bill 1102, championed by Republican leadership in the legislature. Senate President Warren Petersen labeled it “the most conservative transportation plan” in Arizona’s history.

However, not all Republicans were on board with the proposal. Members of the Arizona Freedom Caucus voiced their opposition, arguing the bill favored Democrats. “This proposition is a massive win for Hobbs and the Democrats,” stated caucus member State Representative Justin Heap.

Opposition also came from organizations such as the Arizona Free Enterprise Club and the Goldwater Institute. They contended that the proposition primarily funds transit systems rather than essential infrastructure, a claim rebutted by data from the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG).

According to MAG, 40 percent of the tax revenue will be allocated to constructing freeways and highways, with 22 percent earmarked for arterial roads and regional transportation infrastructure, while 37 percent supports transit initiatives.

Democratic leaders across the board supported the proposition and condemned the MCRC lawsuit. Governor Katie Hobbs and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego were vocal in their advocacy for the tax. Additionally, MAG Regional Council joined the county in calling for the lawsuit’s dismissal, emphasizing it contradicted the electorate’s wishes.

MAG Chairman Kevin Hartke expressed confidence in the project, asserting that it aligned with the voters’ vision for transportation funding. He declared, “We won’t let a flawed claim stand in the way of our 40-year legacy of building one of the best transportation systems in the country.”

The tax is projected to generate up to $15 billion in revenue and reduce average commute times to 30 minutes, even in the face of a population growth forecast of 1.7 million residents and 900,000 jobs by 2050. MAG Executive Director Ed Zuercher reassured that the regional transportation plan would proceed as scheduled, irrespective of the lawsuit’s outcome.

In recent reports, Arizona’s general contractors rallied behind the sales tax, criticizing the MCRC’s lawsuit as “frivolous” and politically motivated. The Arizona Chapter of Associated General Contractors of America condemned the lawsuit, reinforcing the necessity of the funds for ongoing infrastructure development.