VOTE NO
Summary:
Measure A proposes a half-cent sales tax on all goods sold in Los Angeles County, intended to fund homelessness services and affordable housing. If passed, it would replace the existing Measure H (which expires in 2027) and would generate approximately $1.1 billion annually. The funds would be used to support mental health and addiction treatment, affordable housing construction, and homelessness prevention programs. Unlike Measure H, Measure A would remain in place indefinitely without any sunset clause.
Why We Oppose Measure A:
Thrive LA PAC strongly opposes Measure A for several reasons. While homelessness is undeniably a critical issue in Los Angeles, we believe that simply raising taxes to continue funding programs that have failed to deliver enduring and measurable results is not a sustainable solution. Despite Measure H raising hundreds of millions annually since 2017, homelessness has increased by 37% during that period, proving that the existing approaches are ineffective. Moreover, increasing the sales tax would disproportionately impact working-class families and small businesses, who are already struggling to cope with rising inflation. This additional permanent “forever tax” would place an unnecessary permanent burden on consumers without guaranteeing a reduction in homelessness. We need to explore more innovative and efficient solutions that do not rely on continually raising taxes on the public. Instead of creating more bureaucracy, we advocate for more targeted, accountable measures that address the root causes of homelessness.