A coalition of organizations, including the California Transit Association, has filed a proposed statewide ballot initiative that would prevent the state from borrowing, raiding or otherwise redirecting local government, transportation and public transit funds. Following receipt of approval, title and summary from the Attorney General’s office, the group will then determine whether to proceed with signature-gathering efforts to place the measure before voters in November, 2010.

In addition to the Association, the coalition is comprised of the League of California Cities and the California Alliance for Jobs.

Despite the recent decision by the California Supreme Court upholding the appellate court ruling that raids on transit funding are illegal, the Association opted to pursue the initiative process to further safeguard against future circumvention of previous voter-approved mandates for public transit funding. While preliminary polling indicated support for a “transit-only” measure, support was even stronger for a measure that protected a wide array of local services, including public transit.

To learn more about the proposed measure, “The Local Taxpayer, Public Safety and Transportation Protection Act,” visit www.savelocalservices.com.