Voters Reject Proposed Sales Tax Increase for Healthcare in LA County
Voters reject LA County’s obscene Measure ER cash grab
Image: New York Post
Los Angeles County voters have rejected Measure ER, a proposed half-cent sales tax increase aimed at funding healthcare services, which would have raised the sales tax from 9.75% to 10.25%. The measure faced opposition due to concerns over previous tax spending and the belief that the healthcare crisis should not be addressed through local tax hikes.
- 01Measure ER aimed to raise the sales tax rate from 9.75% to 10.25% to fund healthcare services.
- 02The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the measure with a 4-1 vote, with Supervisor Kathryn Barger opposing it.
- 03The proposal followed the approval of Measure A, which raised taxes to support homelessness but faced scrutiny over spending oversight.
- 04County officials projected a $2.4 billion loss in funding over the next three years, prompting potential layoffs and service cuts.
- 05Opponents argued that the healthcare crisis is not exclusive to Los Angeles County and opposed the local tax increase.
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In early election results, Los Angeles County voters have rejected Measure ER, which proposed a half-cent sales tax increase to fund healthcare services, raising the sales tax from 9.75% to 10.25%. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors had voted 4-1 to place the measure on the ballot, with Supervisor Kathryn Barger dissenting. This measure was introduced following the approval of Measure A, which increased taxes to address homelessness but faced criticism over the management of funds. County officials argued that Measure ER was essential to stabilize the healthcare system amid significant reductions in state and federal funding, projecting losses of $2.4 billion over three years. They warned of potential layoffs of 5,000 staff and service consolidations due to funding cuts. However, opponents, including Barger, contended that the healthcare crisis is a broader issue that should not be addressed with a local tax increase, leading to the measure's rejection.
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The rejection of Measure ER means that the proposed funding for healthcare services will not be available, potentially affecting access to care for residents.
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