Bay Area Legislators Propose Sales Tax to Fund Public Transit

Montana lawmakers are proposing two bills aimed at addressing property tax relief by gauging public support for a statewide sales tax. Sponsored by Rep. Brad Barker, the legislation would place a referendum on the November 2026 ballot, asking voters to approve a sales tax of up to 4% to fund reductions in property taxes that support public education. Despite previous rejections of sales tax proposals in Montana, Barker argues that economic changes warrant a public reconsideration of the state's tax system. In the Bay Area, state legislators are also advocating for new sales taxes to combat budget deficits in public transportation, with measures aimed at preserving vital services for BART and Muni amid rising operational costs and declining ridership. If approved, these taxes would help mitigate significant service cuts and maintain accessibility for commuters who rely on public transit. Both regions highlight the ongoing discussions around sales tax as a potential solution for fiscal challenges facing public services.