L.A. County voters will decide in June whether to increase the sales tax by half a cent, aimed at generating $1bn annually for healthcare services impacted by federal funding cuts. Supervisor Holly Mitchell emphasized the urgency, saying: “Millions of people look to us to step up even when the federal government has walked away.” The Board of Supervisors voted 4 to 1 to place the measure on the ballot, with the tax expected to last five years. Critics, including Supervisor Kathryn Barger, argue that taxpayers should not compensate for federal shortfalls and raised concerns about the allocation of funds. The proposed tax hike could push the sales tax above 11% in some areas, potentially affecting low-income residents. Public health officials warn that without new funding, essential services may be compromised, leading to job losses and reduced healthcare access.
