Just before signatures for the gas tax repeal are ready to be turned in, California officials thought to "ease" the minds of the people by telling us that the money will actually be used for transit projects.
Officials say that $2.4 billion of the money will be dedicated to six Los Angeles Metro expansion projects. The goal is to expand light rails to Torrance and Montclair as well as improve tracks, signals, and make commuter lines faster and more reliable.
"These zero emission bus and rail projects mean millions of tons less pollution in the air we breathe," Governor Jerry Brown said in a statement.
What a convenient time to release this information. According to the Los Angeles Times, state officials are hoping the higher taxes will show voters evidence of progress. They are also predicting that the initiative will be rejected.