Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger announced this week that she voted “no” on a proposed countywide half-cent sales tax increase, citing concerns over affordability and fiscal accountability.
At the Board of Supervisors meeting, Barger said Los Angeles County already carries the highest sales tax rate of any major metropolitan area. She warned that the additional half-cent increase would push the rate even higher, making the County less affordable for families and less attractive for consumers and businesses.
According to Barger, the increase risks raising everyday costs for residents and could contribute to small businesses and employers choosing to leave Los Angeles County.
Barger acknowledged that the healthcare challenges facing the County are real and serious. However, she emphasized that addressing those challenges requires what she described as serious and responsible solutions. She said stronger commitments should be sought from state legislators rather than placing additional financial burdens on local taxpayers.
The Supervisor also raised concerns about accountability. She stated that asking voters to approve a general tax without clear guarantees on how the revenue would be spent does not represent responsible fiscal policy. If the County seeks voter approval for a tax measure, Barger argued it should be structured as a special tax with a defined purpose, enforceable accountability measures, and transparency.
Barger said her vote reflects her commitment to affordability and to what she described as doing right by the taxpayers of Los Angeles County.
