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I’d like to share a detailed analysis I recently published examining the financial impacts of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission’s proposed $4.3 billion Zero Emission Passenger Rail Transit (ZEPRT) project.
While the idea of a commuter train may sound appealing on the surface, my research—based on RTC data and realistic funding assumptions — shows the local cost burden would require raising countywide sales taxes to over 13%. Even though the state’s maximum sales tax is 9.25%, it can go over this limit with a state legislature exemption. This would make Santa Cruz County one of the highest-taxed regions in the country and would disproportionately impact working-class families in one of California’s least affordable counties.
This story deserves more public attention. I believe your readers would benefit from a closer look at the real economic consequences of this proposal — particularly in light of its regressive tax structure and uncertain funding assumptions.
I have shared this analysis with all of our local elected officials and on social media
Jack Brown
Aptos