The article examines the mixed results of two California county sales tax measures aimed at offsetting federal Medicaid cuts. Los Angeles County's Measure ER is narrowly leading, while Contra Costa County's Measure B was decisively defeated.
The piece highlights the regressive nature of sales taxes and the uncertainty of local solutions. It also discusses the proposed Billionaire Tax Act as a potential statewide alternative.
- Los Angeles County's Measure ER, a half-cent sales tax increase, could raise $1 billion annually for health care. - Contra Costa County's Measure B, a similar tax, was rejected by 57% of voters.
- Both counties have similar Democratic majorities and high existing sales taxes. - The proposed Billionaire Tax Act would levy a 5% tax on the state's 200 richest individuals, raising $100 billion over five years.
The article concludes that without new funding, health services will continue to deteriorate, and county-level tax solutions are uncertain and potentially fleeting.