LA City Voters Oppose Countywide Measure to Raise Sales Tax for Healthcare

Poll shows majority of LA city residents reject proposed half-cent sales tax increase to restore health services cut by federal funding cuts.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:04pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph of a human heart, rendered in shades of blue and grey against a dark background, with a faint glowing aura surrounding the organ to represent the life-sustaining power of healthcare.An X-ray image of a human heart symbolizes the vital role of healthcare services that could be impacted by federal funding cuts in Los Angeles County.Los Angeles Today

A new poll found that a majority of Los Angeles city voters oppose Measure ER, a countywide ballot measure that would raise the sales tax by a half-cent to help plug gaps in federal healthcare coverage provided by the county. The measure trails with 47% opposed and 45% in support among LA city voters, despite the county's efforts to rally support from labor, clinic operators, and healthcare workers.

Why it matters

Losing support from a large portion of voters within the city of Los Angeles, who are typically more likely to support tax increases than county voters overall, could jeopardize the passage of Measure ER. The measure is crucial to restoring healthcare services that will be cut due to $2.4 billion in federal funding reductions over the next three years, impacting hundreds of thousands of low-income LA County residents.

The details

Measure ER would raise about $1 billion per year for county healthcare services to offset the cuts, which will reduce coverage for 3.3 million low-income LA County residents and result in the closure of 24 county clinics and reductions in emergency room and other medical services. However, the poll found that concerns over the cost of living and affordability are making LA city voters hesitant to support new taxes, even for essential services like healthcare.

  • The poll was conducted between March 10 and March 15, 2026.
  • Measure ER will be on the June 2, 2026 ballot.

The players

Measure ER

The Essential Services Restoration Act for Los Angeles County General Sales Tax Measure, a proposed half-cent sales tax increase to help restore healthcare services cut by federal funding reductions.

LA County

The county that will put Measure ER on the June 2, 2026 ballot for all voters, including those in the city of Los Angeles.

Kathryn Barger

A Los Angeles County Supervisor listed as an opponent of Measure ER on the ballot.

Jim Mangia

The president and CEO of St. John's Community Health, a leader of the Restore Healthcare for Angelenos coalition that is campaigning in support of Measure ER.

Christina Ghaly

The director of the LA County Department of Health Services, which stands to lose $750 million over three years due to the federal healthcare funding cuts.

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What they’re saying

“Every poll we've taken has shown a clear majority in favor.”

— Jim Mangia, CEO and president of St. John's Community Health

“Measure ER will keep healthcare affordable. We think that is a message that will resonate.”

— Jim Mangia, CEO and president of St. John's Community Health

“This is not a warning; this healthcare crisis is happening now. Hundreds of thousands of Angelenos have already been impacted by federal funding cuts, and this number will only continue to grow if we don't take action immediately.”

— Jim Mangia, CEO and president of St. John's Community Health

“The more people know about it, the less likely they will support it.”

— Jon Coupal, President of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This poll highlights the challenge of passing a tax measure to restore essential healthcare services, even in a Democratic-leaning city like Los Angeles, as voters grapple with the rising cost of living and affordability concerns. Supporters of Measure ER will need to make a strong case to convince skeptical city residents that the temporary tax hike is necessary to maintain access to critical healthcare programs.