Measure R creating jobs

The half-cent sales tax approved by Los Angeles voters to fund transit projects could create up to 500,000 jobs and infuse the local economy with nearly $68 billion over the next 30 years, according to a study released Thursday.Gregory J.Wilcox in the Daily News.

Revenue from Measure R will boost the hard-hit construction industry as crews begin work on the $35 billion package of freeway, subway and rail projects, according to the report from the Los Angeles Economic Development Corp. The ripple effect from their wages and the taxes they pay will spill over into other sectors, generating jobs in sectors as diverse as real estate and healthcare, manufacturing and tourism.

"I would characterize this study as being a more complete picture of Measure R spending over the next three decades," said Gregory Freeman, vice president of consulting and policy for the nonprofit LAEDC.