By Jeremy Duda | Arizona Mirror
Republican Rep. Nancy Barto followed through on her threat to challenge Phoenix’s newly approved fees on rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft that operate at Sky Harbor International Airport and potentially put some $20 million of city funding at risk.
Barto, R-Phoenix, filed a complaint with Attorney General Mark Brnovich on Thursday, alleging that the fees violate a provision of the Arizona Constitution barring new taxes, fees or assessments on services. Voters approved the prohibition in 2018 when they passed Proposition 126.
“The Phoenix City Council’s plan to increase fees on ride-sharing companies is bad for consumers, is bad for the economy, and violates the State Constitution,” Barto said in a press release.
The Phoenix City Council on Wednesday approved the surcharge for the second time – the first vote in October was voided due to a clerical error – on a 7-2 vote.