Prop. 43 would raise bar for voter-backed local taxes, worrying Bay Area leaders

A PROPOSITION GOING BEFORE CALIFORNIA VOTERS in November could make it more difficult for local governments and agencies to get funding from tax measures by raising the approval threshold.

Proposition 43 would require a two-thirds majority vote for citizen initiatives pertaining to sale taxes — such as real estate, utilities and transit — which under current law only need a simple majority. This would make it more difficult to pass any sales tax measures. The possibility for its approval has created concern among local government and transit leaders, who worry the measure would impact funding avenues amid already strained budgets.