Pinal Today

Gov. Doug Ducey (R-AZ) vetoed the Maricopa County transportation tax bill on July 7, which may affect the SR 347 expansion.

According to InMaricopa, House Bill 2685 is a measure that would have put the half-cent Maricopa County transportation tax extension on the ballot next spring. 

“Across the country, families are facing unprecedented costs for food, gas, housing and other necessities," Ducey said, according to InMaricopa. "Now, with inflation higher than it has been in 40 years, it is not the time to ask voters in Arizona to tax themselves. Further, if and when voters consider such a proposal, they deserve to cast their ballot for a measure that is responsible and transparent – HB 2685 does not meet that standard.”

According to InMaricopa, Ducey mentioned the tax doesn't expire until the tail end of 2025. An early election next year would require costs that aren't necessary and place an important measure on the ballot during the time of a special election. A special election typically draws in fewer voters than a general presidential election.

InMaricopa also reported that Ducey has concerns with the language of the bill that would extend taxes to Maricopa County sales for 25 years, five longer than the present tax term.

“The changes in the title and description narrative are inflated, embellished, and fail to accurately reflect the reality of this tax burden on Arizonans,” Ducey wrote in the letter.

State Sun. TJ Shope (R-Pinal) said that Ducey's move will not affect surrounding county transportation issues.

“Yes, Governor Ducey vetoed HB 2685, but that bill is in no way, shape or form, related to any of the other counties' transportation issues, including Pinal’s,” Shope said. “No other county other than Maricopa requires the extra step of Legislative and Executive approval, so I really don’t see them being connected at all.”

Maricopa Interim Mayor Vincent Manfredi disagreed with Shope's statement about it not affecting other counties. 

"Governor Ducey’s veto has no direct impact on Pinal County as a whole, but it does have an impact on SR 347,” Manfredi said, according to InMaricopa. “We would need (the tax measure) to pass in Maricopa County to provide money for the extra lane on the northern end of SR 347 in Maricopa County.”

According to InMaricopa, the Legislature can override Ducey’s gubernatorial veto given two-thirds of the Congress and Senate vote in favor of the bill. 

“I believe these are two separate issues,” Maricopa City Councilmember Henry Wade said. “In that, I think Governor Ducey is being short-sighted by not considering the will or desire of the citizenry. Recent surveys suggest the voters are favorable of re-establishing the half-cent transportation tax as we are more than ready to take action to make our roads safe.”

The bill passed through the House, 37-21, and the Senate, 19-9.