Petition efforts offer path for influence

Citizens around the country continue to undertake the mission of taking matters into their own hands to get issues they are passionate about before voters. Among the examples to address transportation funding are initiatives and referendums.

Massachusetts voters decided this fall to pass a question that aids transportation work.

The question originated from a 2018 indirect initiative constitutional amendment that required signature collection for consideration on the ballot.

The 2022 ballot question called for the creation of an additional tax of 4% for household income above $1 million.

Voters approved the question, which is estimated to raise $1.3 billion annually for public education and transportation.

Looking ahead

Another petition effort is underway in the Bay State to provide price breaks on fuel purchases at certain times.

A campaign seeks to ask voters whether to suspend the 24-cent-per-gallon excise tax when fuel prices reach at least $3 per gallon.

Colorado

In 2021, an initiated amendment to the Colorado Constitution fulfilled the petition process and made its way to the ballot.

The question called for amending the state constitution to transfer the power to appropriate custodial funds for uses that include transportation to the Colorado General Assembly.

Custodial funds, or revenue generated outside state government, are appropriated by the state treasurer. Affected funds include federal transportation aid, emergency relief, pension, and court-approved settlements.

Typically, these funds come with guidelines for use. The state agency receiving the funds ultimately makes the final decision on spending.

The proposed amendment would instead make the state legislature responsible for making decisions on appropriations.

Voters rejected the change. LL