LOS ANGELES—County voters are set to decide once again on Tuesday on a measure designed to address the issue of homelessness in the region. This time, the proposal aims to replace an expiring sales tax with a higher levy that does not have a sunset date.
If approved by a majority of county voters, Measure A would eliminate a quarter-cent county sales tax that was approved in 2017 under Measure H, which had a 10-year lifespan and is scheduled to expire in 2027.
Measure A, also known as the Affordable Housing, Homelessness Solutions, and Prevention Now measure, would replace Measure H with a half-cent sales tax that would remain in effect indefinitely unless repealed by voters.
Supporters believe that Measure A could bring significant change to the county’s approach to addressing homelessness, with projections indicating it could generate $1.2 billion annually.
A coalition of more than 80 organizations, including the L.A. County Federation of Labor, California Community Foundation, United Way of Greater Los Angeles, and SEIU 721, worked together to place the measure on the ballot.
The initiative aims to allocate more funding from the sales tax towards building affordable housing, expanding access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, and implementing accountability measures to ensure results are delivered.
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The proposed measure outlines that 60% of the revenue generated would go towards homelessness services, with 15% allocated to cities based on the annual count of homeless individuals. Additionally, 35.75% would support the L.A. County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency, established by the state Legislature to oversee homelessness solutions.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass supports Measure A, emphasizing the importance of continuing critical funding for anti-homelessness efforts beyond the expiration of Measure H in 2027.
However, critics, including the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, argue that the measure would burden residents with a perpetual tax increase without a guarantee of solving the homelessness issue.
The Association stated, “Measure A is a sales tax increase to fund the same unsuccessful homelessness programs. Auditors are still investigating where the money went and why homelessness has worsened since the tax increase. With Measure H in place until 2027, there is time for the L.A. County Board of Supervisors to develop a more effective plan without raising taxes.”
Other opponents advocate for increased oversight to ensure proper allocation of funds, noting concerns about transparency with non-governmental organizations receiving tax dollars.
Despite criticisms, supporters of Measure A assure that the measure includes provisions for clear outcomes and expectations, with a focus on redirecting funds from underperforming programs.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna also lends his support to the measure, highlighting its role in providing options for law enforcement officers to assist individuals dealing with homelessness, mental health issues, and addiction.
Luna described Measure A as a step towards helping neighbors and maintaining safe neighborhoods.
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