LA County Voters to Decide on Sales Tax Hike for Health Services

Proposed temporary half-cent increase aims to offset Medicaid cuts and clinic closures

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Voters in Los Angeles County will decide in June on a proposed temporary half-cent increase to the county's sales tax to help fund health care services. The Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to place the "Essential Services Restoration Act" measure on the ballot, which would raise the sales tax from 9.75% to 10.25% for five years. County officials estimate the increase would generate around $1 billion to offset funding shortfalls affecting public health programs and clinics, warning that services could face further reductions without the additional revenue.

Why it matters

Los Angeles County's health care system is under significant strain following steep federal cuts to Medicaid, leading to the announced closure of seven public health clinics due to over $50 million in lost funding. The proposed sales tax hike aims to stabilize the county's health services and prevent further reductions in the face of these funding challenges.

The details

The Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to place the "Essential Services Restoration Act" measure on the June 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, the measure would raise the county's general sales tax by a half-cent for five years, through October 2031. County officials estimate the increase would generate approximately $1 billion to help offset funding shortfalls affecting public health programs and clinics.

  • The Board of Supervisors voted on Tuesday, February 11, 2026 to place the measure on the June 2026 ballot.
  • The proposed half-cent sales tax increase would be in effect for five years, through October 1, 2031.

The players

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors

The governing body of Los Angeles County, which voted 4-1 to place the sales tax measure on the June 2026 ballot.

Holly Mitchell

A Los Angeles County Supervisor who, along with Supervisor Hilda Solis, introduced the proposal for the Essential Services Restoration Act.

Kathryn Barger

The lone Los Angeles County Supervisor who voted against placing the sales tax measure on the ballot.

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What they’re saying

“The county's health care system faces significant strain following what she described as steep federal cuts to Medicaid included in a budget bill passed earlier this year.”

— Holly Mitchell, Los Angeles County Supervisor (westsidetoday.com)

What’s next

Voters in Los Angeles County will have the opportunity to approve or reject the proposed half-cent sales tax increase when it appears on the June 2026 ballot.

The takeaway

This measure reflects the growing challenges facing local health care systems, as federal and state funding cuts threaten the viability of public health programs and clinics. The proposed sales tax increase aims to provide a temporary funding solution to preserve essential health services in Los Angeles County.