LA County Proposes Half-Cent Sales Tax to Fill Healthcare Gaps

Measure aims to offset federal Medicaid cuts affecting local residents

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Los Angeles County officials, including Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo and Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Hilda Solis, have proposed a half-cent sales tax measure to help fund the $2.4 billion gap created by federal Medicaid cuts in the region.

Why it matters

The proposed tax increase would give LA County residents a chance to vote on whether they are willing to pay more to maintain healthcare services in the face of significant federal funding reductions. This is a critical issue as the county seeks to avoid major gaps in Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations.

The details

The sales tax measure would need to be approved by voters in order to take effect. County leaders argue there is no other option to close the $2.4 billion funding shortfall resulting from the federal Medicaid cuts outlined in H.R.1.

  • The press conference announcing the proposed measure was held on February 11, 2026.

The players

Victor Gordo

The mayor of Pasadena, California.

Holly Mitchell

A member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Hilda Solis

A member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

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What they’re saying

“This motion gives the voters a choice: Are you willing to support this half-cent general sales tax increase? From my perspective, there is no other option for Los Angeles County to close a $2.4 billion gap from H.R.1.”

— Victor Gordo, Pasadena Mayor (Daily Breeze)

What’s next

The proposed sales tax measure will need to be approved by voters in an upcoming election in order to take effect.

The takeaway

LA County officials are turning to voters to help fill a major healthcare funding gap created by federal Medicaid cuts, highlighting the difficult choices local governments face when federal support is reduced.