Latest news with #MujtabaMohammed
Axios
9 hours ago
- Business
- Axios
Mecklenburg transportation tax bill advances in Senate
Mecklenburg County's transportation bill advanced in the North Carolina Senate Wednesday afternoon. Why it matters: Now we're cooking with gas. Earlier this year, when leaders discussed Charlotte's chances of getting a 1-cent transportation sales tax, they said things like it was "a tough sell" and "a long way from being palatable." But now it seems the bill to hold a referendum, which could help Mecklenburg County generate billions for new infrastructure, is on its way to becoming law. Catch up quick: Wednesday's Senate vote was 41-4, and the House overwhelmingly supported Rep. Tricia Cotham's bill earlier this month. What's next: The final Senate vote on the P.A.V.E. Act is slated for Thursday, according to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. The bill will then go back to the House for a concurrence vote before heading to the governor's desk. What's inside: The legislation would authorize the Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners to put the 1-cent sales tax referendum on the November election ballot. If passed, 60% of the funding would go to a transportation authority for transit projects, and 40% would go to municipalities for roads, including bike lanes and lighting. What they're saying: Members of the Mecklenburg County delegation advocated for the bill on the Senate floor, stressing the region's evolving demands amid fast population growth. "We are experiencing longer commutes, more car accidents, higher car insurance premiums, more pedestrian-related accidents and less revenue to address our crumbling critical infrastructure," Sen. Mujtaba Mohammed said. "We have a whole lot more traffic coming into Charlotte every day," Sen. Joyce Waddell said. "— it's unbelievable."
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Charlotte transit bill clears major hurdle, one step from governor's desk
House Bill 948, once given 50-50 odds to even be heard, has now passed both chambers of the General Assembly overwhelmingly. Mecklenburg County voters should feel confident they'll get a say in their transit future after the bill passed its second reading. PAST COVERAGE: House approves Mecklenburg County sales tax for transit It's another monumental vote for Charlotte's future. The North Carolina Senate voted, 41-4, to allow Mecklenburg County to place a sales tax increase referendum on this November's ballot. If approved, the money will bring more rail, roads, and bus service to the region. 'We are experiencing longer commutes, more car accidents, higher car insurance premiums, more pedestrian accidents and less revenue to address our crumbling infrastructure,' said Sen. Mujtaba Mohammed, D-Mecklenburg. The Senate will have to take one more vote on the bill. It will then head back to the House for a final vote, which then will be sent to Gov. Josh Stein for his signature. If signed, the next step will be the Mecklenburg County commissioners officially voting to place the referendum on the ballot. Voters will then have the ultimate say in the November elections. 'It gives Mecklenburg County the ability to raise local funds for roads and public transportation which is a vital need because we have a whole lot of traffic coming into Charlotte every day,' said Sen. Joyce Waddell, D-Mecklenburg. No state senators voiced opposition to the bill. One suggested Mecklenburg County's plan could be replicated in other counties. 'We believe this is something that could be done in other communities across the state,' said Sen. David Craven, R-Anson. Mecklenburg County's sales tax rate is currently 7.25%. This bill would allow voters to decide whether to raise it to 8.25%, which would be the highest in the state. However, leaders said it would generate about $20 billion over the next 30 years for transit. VIDEO: Matthews commissioner plans to challenge Rep. Cotham, citing transit bill as motivation
