Politics & Government

Group Protests 'Jail Tax' over Highway 101 [PHOTOS]

The Peninsula Direct Action group posted signs opposing Measure A on a highway overpass in San Mateo.

Peninsula Direct Action, a group of Occupy-affiliated residents, protested the proposed Measure A half-cent sales tax increase that will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot.

Measure A would increase the sales tax by one-half cent for the next 10 years to generate approximately $60 million to support emergency and recreation services and other county services.

Opponents of Measure A, including Peninsula Direct Action, have called the sales tax increase a insinuating that the revenues raised would pay for building and operating the county's new jail in Redwood City, which has a price tag of approximately $160 million.

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However, San Mateo County Supervisor Don Horsley said, "Nothing could be further from the truth. This is not a jail tax."

Horsley said Measure A funds would help preserve "the safety net for people who really need help" by bolstering services such as health care for low-income children, transportation for the disabled, emergency room services and library programs for children and teens.

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Several cars honked as they drove under the overpass, acknowledging the protesters and signs.

CHP officers arrived on scene to make sure the demonstration was peaceful. 


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