This past election proved to be huge for infrastructure initiatives in the United States. More than 80% of all state and local wide ballot measures were approved, allocating $19.2 billion for infrastructure projects. The results reflect the success and strength of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Most notable initiatives this year focused in providing funds to supply rural broadband, restructuring of property and sales taxes to fund infrastructure projects. On a different note, Illinois is on its way to approve the right to collective bargaining on its constitution, which could complicate further the supply of talent in that state
Relevant State Initiatives and Status:
Arkansas
- Issue 2: Currently, ballot measures in Arkansas require a simple majority (50%+1) vote for approval. This amendment would amend the state constitution to require a three-fifths 60% supermajority vote of approval from voters to adopt constitutional amendments (legislatively referred and citizen-initiated) and citizen-initiated state statutes. The supermajority requirement would not apply to veto referendums, which would continue to require a simple majority (50%+1) vote for approval.
Alabama
- Amendment 2: Allows local governments to use federal funding provided for broadband internet infrastructure and award such funds to public or private entities
- Amendment 7: Specifies that counties and municipalities have authority to provide for financing economic and industrial development through the use of public funds, issuing bonds, and leasing property or lending bonds to a private entity
California
- Proposition 30: Increases the tax on personal income above $2 million by 1.75% and dedicates revenue to zero-emission vehicle projects and wildfire prevention programs
Georgia
- Referendum A: Exempts timber equipment owned by a timber producer from ad valorem property taxes
- Referendum B: Expands a property tax exemption to include merged family farms and dairy products and eggs
Illinois
- Amendment 1: Creates a state constitutional right to collective bargaining
Massachusetts
- Question 1: Creates a 4% tax on incomes that exceed $1 million for education and transportation purposes
New York
- Proposal 1: Issues $4.20 billion in general obligation bonds for projects related to the environment, natural resources, water infrastructure, and climate change mitigation
Rhode Island
- Question 2: Issues $250 million in bonds for construction and renovation of state public school buildings
West Virginia
- Amendment 1: Authorizes the state legislature to exempt personal property (machinery, equipment, and inventory) used for business activity from ad valorem property taxes
For more AEM news and updates, subscribe to the AEM Industry Advisor.
