A new tax hike on residentsthat would spike the cost of almost everything— including shopping, dining and other everyday purchases across the county — was approved LA County Supervisors to head to voters.
But because the tax would apply to retail sales and restaurant purchases, it was quickly trashed by opponents who say it raises prices for families regardless of whether they use affected health care services.
Lone Republican Supervisor Kathryn Barger cast the only no vote on the board — which passed 4-1.
Supervisors Hilda Solisand Holly Mitchell pushedthe half-cent sales taxthey say will help counterlooming federal health care funding cutsthat threaten Medi-Cal services.
Barger said she believed the state should help rather than taxpayers and added she was concerned the tax money was not earmarked for healthcare costs and would go into the general fund, giving officials other choices on how it gets spent.
“We are not, as a whole, credible when it comes to promises made, promises broken,” she said.
The sales tax hike will now be on the ballot for LA County voters in June.
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Opposition to the possible new tax has been swift and loud.
Susan Shelley, vice president of communications for the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, called the proposal “unreasonable,” saying sales taxes are regressive and hit those least able to afford them.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
