LA County Proposes 0.5% Sales Tax Hike, Citing Medicaid Cuts

The move would push sales taxes in LA County to 10.25%, among the highest in the country.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to propose a 0.5% sales tax increase, which would push the total sales tax rate in the county from 9.75% to 10.25%. The supervisors cited the need to make up for potential Medicaid funding cuts under the Trump administration's policies, claiming one in three residents could be affected. However, critics argue the tax hike is regressive and that the county should focus on spending its existing $50 billion budget more efficiently before raising taxes.

Why it matters

This proposed sales tax increase highlights the ongoing debate over how to fund public services and social programs, especially as governments grapple with budget shortfalls. Critics argue that sales taxes disproportionately burden lower-income residents, and that the county should explore spending cuts or efficiencies before resorting to tax hikes.

The details

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to propose the 0.5% sales tax increase. Supervisors Hilda L. Solis, Holly J. Mitchell, Lindsey P. Horvath, and Janice Hahn voted in favor, while the lone Republican, Kathryn Barger, voted against it. Mitchell argued the county needs the additional revenue to make up for potential Medicaid funding cuts under the Trump administration's policies, claiming one in three residents could be affected. However, critics say the county should focus on spending its existing $50 billion budget more efficiently before raising taxes.

  • The LA County Board of Supervisors voted on the proposed 0.5% sales tax increase on February 11, 2026.

The players

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors

The governing body of Los Angeles County, California, responsible for proposing the 0.5% sales tax increase.

Hilda L. Solis

A member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors who voted in favor of the proposed sales tax increase.

Holly J. Mitchell

A member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors who presented the case for the proposed sales tax increase, citing potential Medicaid funding cuts.

Lindsey P. Horvath

A member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors who voted in favor of the proposed sales tax increase.

Janice Hahn

A member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors who voted in favor of the proposed sales tax increase.

Kathryn Barger

The lone Republican member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors who voted against the proposed sales tax increase.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Why should taxpayers — including the poor — have to foot the bill, especially to benefit people who may have no legal right to be here at all?”

— Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County Supervisor (nypost.com)

“There are no 'temporary' taxes.”

— Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County Supervisor (nypost.com)

What’s next

The proposed 0.5% sales tax increase will now go to a public vote in Los Angeles County.

The takeaway

This proposed sales tax hike highlights the ongoing tension between the need for public funding and the burden that regressive taxes place on lower-income residents. The county will need to carefully weigh the tradeoffs and consider alternative revenue sources or spending cuts before asking voters to approve the increase.