Los Angeles County voters have approved Measure ER, a 0.5% sales tax increase intended to fund local health care services, a decision that comes as affordability remains a significant concern for residents. The measure, which is slated to last for five years and applies to most purchases, passed earlier this month.
County supervisors placed Measure ER on the ballot, framing it as essential for restoring "Essential Services" in light of what they described as "severe federal cuts enacted by the President and Congress." However, analysis suggests the federal legislation in question merely slowed the rate of spending growth and introduced work requirements for benefit recipients, rather than enacting cuts.
The passage of Measure ER followed the state Legislature's approval of AB 1768, which permits such sales tax increases. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law on June 1, the day before Election Day. The measure's approval was not initially certain, with early tallies showing it failing, but a surge of mail-in ballots ultimately tipped the scale in favor of the tax increase.
This is not the first time LA County voters have approved sales tax increases in recent years. The county previously passed Measure H in 2017 and Measure A in 2024, both designated for homeless services. In 2022, voters in the City of Los Angeles approved Measure ULA, a "mansion tax" aimed at funding affordable housing. Critics argue Measure ULA has negatively impacted new apartment construction while directing funds to progressive organizations.
Furthermore, state legislators recently passed a bill to increase taxes on insurance premiums to subsidize Medi-Cal. These actions, including the passage of Measure ER, prompt questions about the role of voter decisions in contributing to the cost of living when affordability is a stated priority.