LA County Supervisors Approve Sales Tax Hike Despite High Salaries

The tax increase will hit struggling residents, while supervisors earn up to $300,000 annually.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The LA County Board of Supervisors, four Democrats and one Republican, voted to approve a half-cent sales tax increase that will raise the current rate from 9.75% to 10.25%. The move, which supporters say is to counter looming federal health care funding cuts, will increase the costs of shopping, dining, and other everyday purchases across the region. However, the supervisors who voted for the tax hike earn up to $300,000 per year in salary and other pay.

Why it matters

The tax increase will disproportionately impact lower-income residents in LA County, who will have to pay more for essential goods and services. Meanwhile, the county supervisors who voted for the hike are among the highest-paid local government officials, raising questions about the fairness and necessity of the tax increase.

The details

The four Democratic supervisors - Hilda Solis, Holly Mitchell, Lindsey Horvath, and Janice Hahn - voted to approve the sales tax increase, while the lone Republican supervisor, Kathryn Barger, voted against it. Barger argued that the state should step up to address the health care funding challenges, rather than placing the burden on taxpayers. However, supporters of the measure, including Louise McCarthy of the Community Clinic Association of LA County, said the additional tax is necessary to prevent cuts to crucial medical services.

  • The LA County Board of Supervisors voted to approve the sales tax increase on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • Voters in Los Angeles County will vote on whether to approve the measure in June 2026.

The players

Hilda Solis

A Democratic member of the LA County Board of Supervisors who voted in favor of the sales tax increase.

Holly Mitchell

A Democratic member of the LA County Board of Supervisors who voted in favor of the sales tax increase.

Lindsey Horvath

A Democratic member of the LA County Board of Supervisors who voted in favor of the sales tax increase.

Janice Hahn

A Democratic member of the LA County Board of Supervisors who voted in favor of the sales tax increase.

Kathryn Barger

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

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What they’re saying

“We should be demanding stronger commitments from our state's legislators. Making things more expensive—especially for those who can least afford it—without real guarantees or accountability is not the answer.”

— Kathryn Barger, LA County Supervisor (California Post)

“The ballot measure that we are proposing is an urgent and necessary step to stop the damage and protect access to life-saving care. The stakes right now could not be higher.”

— Louise McCarthy, CEO of the Community Clinic Association of LA County (CalMatters)

What’s next

Voters in Los Angeles County will vote on whether to approve the sales tax increase in June 2026.

The takeaway

The LA County Supervisors' decision to approve a sales tax increase that will burden struggling residents while they themselves earn high salaries raises concerns about fairness and accountability. The vote highlights the need for greater fiscal responsibility and a focus on addressing the root causes of the county's financial challenges, rather than simply raising taxes.