Newsom Forces Fresno Road Tax Onto November Ballot, Local Officials Push Back

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 1923, directing Fresno County to place the citizen-initiated Better Roads, Safe Streets tax on the November ballot. The plan would create a half-cent sales tax to fund roads and transportation, set to replace the expiring Measure C in 2027, and comes after county supervisors attempted a lengthy review that critics say delays the measure. The move highlights tensions over state intervention in local elections, with Fresno officials threatening court action and lawmakers arguing the law strengthens democracy and voting rights; Prop. 43 timing could also complicate the tax's chances once it takes effect in 2027.