Editorial
Ballot measures to increase taxes
There are 20 ballot measures — county, city, state and school district — asking for “yes” or “no” votes in the coming election. Some relate to issues like redistricting or increasing the number of elected officials in various jurisdictions. Some relate to crime. Any adopted ballot measure has some fiscal impacts.
However, some of this year’s ballot measures specifically create new taxes or increase existing taxes or significantly increase borrowing — whether the taxes be on income, property or sales. The following six measures involve tax increases and increase spending. If you favor the specific tax or increase, vote “yes.” If you oppose that tax or increase, vote “no.”
LA County Measure A
(50% + 1 to pass)
• A YES vote is to increase sales tax by 1/2 percent indefinitely. (In 2017, Measure H made a 1/4 percent increase — for ten years until 2027 — to support homelessness services, affordable housing and rental assistance.) This Measure A will double the tax and make it permanent.
LA County Measure E
(50% + 1 to pass)
• A YES vote will impose a levy on certain parcel improvements of 6 cents per square foot, limited to a 2% annual adjustment. The money raised would provide upgraded equipment for firefighters and paramedics.
City of Los Angeles Measure US
(55% to pass)
• A YES vote will allow the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to sell $9 billion of bonds for LAUSD school improvements. Property taxes would rise about $273/year for a median priced home of $1 million.
State Proposition 2
(50% + 1 to pass)
• A YES vote will allow the state to sell $10 billion of bonds to improve K-12 public schools, community colleges and technical schools. This would cost the state $500 million each year for the next 35 years.
State Proposition 4
(50% + 1 to pass)
• A YES vote will allow the state to sell $10 billion of bonds to fund various programs promoted as addressing climate risks. This would cost the state $400 million per year for the next 40 years.
State Proposition 5
(50% + 1 to pass)
• A YES vote will make it easier to approve local bonds that will increase property taxes.
Category: News