In California, Prop 22 garners 61%

California voters Tuesday appeared to have approved Proposition 22, The Local Taxpayer, Public Safety, and Transportation Act, to protect existing funds that are allocated to local government, public safety, and transportation (including rail-specific transportation). The initiative would prohibit the state from raiding these funds.

With 97% of the votes tallied Wednesday morning, the measure had garnered 61% of votes cast.

Supporters of passenger rail and rail transit in the state said the proposition would restrict the state’s authority to use or redirect state fuel tax and local property tax revenue for other purposes, a move made by Gov. Arnold Schwarznegger in recent years.

Opponents, including the California Teachers Association, argued that Proposition 22 would give money to redevelopment agencies at the expense of the state budget and so-called “core services,” such as public education.