LA County Taxpayers Association Launches Campaign to Defeat County Sales Tax Hike

Within hours of a 4–1 vote by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to place a countywide 0.5% general sales tax increase on the June 2026 ballot, LA County Taxpayers Chairman Aidan Chao announced the launch of a formal campaign to defeat the measure.

The proposal would raise the sales tax across Los Angeles County by one-half cent, with all revenue deposited into the County’s general fund. County officials have argued the tax is necessary to stabilize funding for healthcare services and other safety-net programs in light of projected federal funding reductions. However, opponents say the structure of the measure provides no legally binding guarantees that funds will be dedicated to those purposes.

“This is a general tax with no enforceable dedication of funds,” Chao said following the Board’s vote. “If the County believes additional revenue is necessary, it should present voters with clear, binding spending protections and real accountability. Taxpayers deserve transparency, not blank checks.”

In advance of the vote, LA County Taxpayers submitted a formal letter of opposition signed by more than 25 elected officials and community leaders from across Los Angeles County — a significant showing of bipartisan local opposition before the measure even reached the ballot. The coalition includes sitting mayors, council members, and former elected officials representing cities in the San Gabriel Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, Southeast Los Angeles County, the South Bay, and beyond.

Opponents argue that the breadth of elected support underscores growing concern at the local level about another countywide tax increase. “When so many local officials from diverse communities stand together in opposition, it sends a clear message,” Chao said. “It reflects real concern from leaders who are closest to taxpayers.”

The coalition raises several initial concerns: that all revenue generated by the measure would flow into the County’s general fund without legal restrictions; that the proposal lacks independent audits, performance reporting requirements, or clear oversight mechanisms; and that placing the measure on a June primary ballot limits voter engagement on what could generate billions in new revenue.

Opponents also argue that Los Angeles County already has one of the highest combined sales tax rates in the nation. A half-cent increase would raise the cost of everyday goods, including groceries, dining, and retail purchases, at a time when many residents are still grappling with inflation and rising housing costs.

With the measure now officially headed to voters, the LA County Taxpayers Association is transitioning from policy advocacy to a full-scale countywide campaign. According to Chao, the organization will be rapidly expanding its coalition in the coming weeks, engaging additional city officials, business leaders, neighborhood councils, and taxpayer advocates across all five supervisorial districts.

“We are building a broad and diverse coalition united around a simple principle: accountability before taxation,” Chao said. “If new revenue is truly needed, it must come with defined purposes, enforceable safeguards, and strong fiscal controls. The public should not be asked to approve another general tax without clear protections.”

The June 2026 primary election will determine whether voters approve the additional half-cent sales tax. LATax is urging residents to learn more about the measure and join the growing coalition opposing it by visiting LA-Tax.org.