VOTE411 Voter Guide

Essential Services Restoration Act for Los Angeles County General Sales Tax MeasureShall the measure to help our community address severe federal cuts enacted by the President and Congress; reduce the loss of essential services, including healthcare for County residents; reduce the risk of closing the County's four public hospitals and numerous clinics, and significant healthcare provider layoffs and other service cuts by enacting a 1/2 percent (0.5%) general sales tax for 5 years, generating approximately $1 billion annually, with independent audits, be adopted?"Yes" Votes Needed to Pass: 50% +1 (majority) of the total votes cast on the measure by eligible voters.The information below is an analysis written by the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles County.What Measure ER Would Do:Raise the County sales tax by one-half cent (0.5%) for five years (October 2026 - October 2031).Generate approximately $1 billion per year to replace major federal funding cuts that threaten hospitals, clinics,and public health programs.Include annual independent audits and a nine-member citizens' oversight committee.Be a general tax -- revenue goes into the County general fund, not a restricted healthcare fund.A "YES" VOTE MEANS:Los Angeles County would impose a temporary 0.5% general sales tax for five years beginning October 1, 2026, raising ~$1 billion annually. Revenue could be used for healthcare, public health, and other County health-related services, with oversight committee and annual independent audits.A "NO" VOTE MEANS:Los Angeles County would not impose the additional 0.5% sales tax. The County would not receive new revenue from this measure and would need to respond to projected budget losses through other actions.